Karan Johar On Facing Taunts About His Feminine Voice: 'Do Saal Tak Main...'

Filmmaker Karan Johar has shared his experiences of being mocked for his body, voice, and personality during his childhood and youth

Karan Johar talked about the bullying and ridicule he faced growing up.

Source : Instagram/@karanjohar

New Delhi: Filmmaker Karan Johar recently talked about the difficulties he had as an adolescent, including how he was often teased for his appearance, voice and mannerisms. 'The Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' filmmaker revealed the emotional toll it took on him in a candid podcast with Raj Shamani. Karan said that he spent almost two years in voice training after hearing criticism that he sounded too feminine.

Karan Johar's Emotional Revelation

To address what he saw as his "weaknesses," Karan sought expert assistance. He said that to change the tone and calibre of his voice, he attended vocal training lessons for more than two years. 

He said, “Toh do saal tak main gaya woh class karne taaki main apne awaaz mein baritone le aau (I went there to do class for two years so that I can bring baritone in my voice) to sound like a man. I did the classes for two to three years. I told my father that I was doing computer classes because I was very shy to tell him I’m going to do this. I was feeling ashamed. After three years, I had a baritone voice. Not only did they teach me baritone, they also taught me how to walk, how to become more masculine."

He also added, "Today, I won't give this advice to anyone. I'll say, 'Be yourself. If you are walking a certain way, do that. If you are talking like this, then continue. Don't change yourself for anyone'."

Karan did disclose, however, that his father was a continual source of support. He took comfort and inspiration from his family, who never hesitated in their belief in him, despite the hurtful comments. He recounted, “My dad never asked me, ‘Why are you walking like this? Why are you talking like this?’ He used to celebrate me," Karan recalled warmly. “He was proud of everything I did. He never ever questioned anything."