Bollywood producer and director Karan Johar is undoubtedly one of the most influential names in the industry. Known for his close friendships with some of the biggest stars, and responsible for launching the careers of many, Johar is the ultimate Bollywood insider — a position he's turned to his advantage in the hugely successful long-running talk show Koffee With Karan.
So when he turned 50 on Wednesday, Johar celebrated the milestone with the biggest stars of Bollywood in tow. The party, at Mumbai's Yash Raj Studios, was predictably grand in scale, dubbed "big fat Bollywood birthday party" by the Indian media.
Close friend and celebrity interior designer Gauri Khan, the wife of superstar Shah Rukh Khan, was the first to celebrate with Johar at his home on Tuesday night. Posting a video on Instagram, Khan called him "the one and only".
"It’s the little things you do and say that make you the person you are. You listen and make everything right. Thank you for bringing so much love and laughter into all our lives. Best birthday wishes from my family to yours … love you," she posted.
At the Yash Raj Studios party themed "Black and Bling", Johar wore a glittery green jacket by Dolce & Gabbana accessorised with a bow tie and a pair of statement glasses. He called the look "Christmas tree chic" and posed for pictures with some of his celebrity pals, including Rani Mukerji, who starred in Johar's hugely successful 1998 film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, along with Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan.
While Shah Rukh Khan did not attend the party, Kajol was there to celebrate with Johar, sharing many pictures on her Instagram account.
"All teeth, smiles and glitter. Happy happy birthday @karanjohar. Love u," she captioned one photo.
Some of Johar's oldest friends were in attendance, including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and her husband Abhishek Bachchan, Abhishek's sister, Shweta Bachchan-Nanda, director Farah Khan Kunder and fashion designer Manish Malhotra.
Malhotra, a favourite with Bollywood stars, dressed many of those in attendance, including Tabu, Madhuri Dixit Nene and Janhvi Kapoor.
Kapoor, the daughter of late Bollywood star Sridevi, and now an actress herself, was among the new generation of stars at the bash. Shanaya Kapoor, who Johar is set to launch through his production house, was at the event along with young actors Ananya Panday and Sara Ali Khan, who arrived with her brother Ibrahim Ali Khan, who is rumoured to be making his film debut soon.
Sara and Ibrahim are the children of actor Saif Ali Khan, who was also in attendance, along with his wife, film star Kareena Kapoor Khan. Other couples included Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif, who married in December last year, Shahid and Mira Kapoor, Preity Zinta and Gene Goodenough, Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh, and Neha and Angad Bedi.
Newly married Ranbir Kapoor, whose wife Alia Bhatt is currently shooting in Los Angeles for her debut Hollywood film Heart of Stone, attended along with his mother, actress Neetu Kapoor.
A couple of stars arrived alone, including Salman Khan, Rajkummar Rao, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Ishaan Khatter, Sidharth Malhotra and Ranveer Singh, whose wife, Deepika Padukone, is currently on jury duty at the Cannes Film Festival.
Actors Raveena Tandon, Juhi Chawla, Sonali Bendre and Twinkle Khanna were also at the party.
"I am overwhelmed with the love and blessings but that didn’t stop me for being a serial poser, pouter and preener," Johar posted on Instagram.
Johar also announced the release date for his next directorial, Rocky aur Rani ki Prem Kahani, starring Singh and Bhatt in the lead, which is set for February 10, 2023. Known for his romantic dramas, the director also said he will helm his first action movie, to begin filming in April 2023.
"The one aspect that I believe I am most passionate about is being a filmmaker," he said.
Nine Indians who have served on the Cannes Film Festival jury: Aishwarya to Deepika — in pictures
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Deepika Padukone is serving on the Cannes Film Festival jury in 2022. She is the ninth Indian celebrity to do so. Photo: Getty Images -
Indian film director Mrinal Sen, right, was the first Indian to serve on the Cannes jury, in 1982. Here he is accompanied by German actor Helmut Berger as he's awarded the Jury Prize for his film 'Kharij' in May 1983. Photo: AFP -
Director Mira Nair was on the jury in 1990. Photo: Getty Images -
Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy served on the Cannes jury in 2000. Photo: AFP -
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan became the first Indian actress to serve on the Cannes jury in 2003. Here she's pictured at the film festival in 2022. Photo: Getty Images -
Actor, director and social activist Nandita Das served on the jury in 2005. -
Actress Sharmila Tagore joined the jury in 2009. Photo: AFP -
Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur had his turn serving on the jury in 2010. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Bollywood actress Vidya Balan was the last Indian celebrity to serve on the Cannes jury before Deepika Padukone. Balan had the honour in 2013. Photo: AFP -
It would be nine years before another Indian representative would be on the jury, but Deepika Padukone is representing the country in 2022. Getty Images
