Karan Johar on childhood bullying and the lasting impact of being called ‘Pansy’

Karan Johar, one of

Bollywood

‘s most successful

filmmakers

, recently spoke about the struggles he faced growing up, highlighting his experience with

bullying

.
In a conversation with Dr. Jai Madaan, Karan shared how he realized early on that he was different from the other boys around him. His interests and personality diverged from the norm, leading to frequent teasing.

One term that particularly troubled him was ‘

pansy

,’ often used by peers to belittle him because of his perceived femininity.
Karan explained that during his childhood, he found it difficult to fit in and turned to food as a coping mechanism, gaining weight between the ages of 7 and 9. This emotional eating was a response to the inner conflict he felt, grappling with his identity and the realization that he didn’t conform to societal expectations. His sense of isolation deepened when he wasn’t on good terms with his father, making him feel even more out of place. He found comfort in food, particularly chocolates and desserts, as he struggled to reconcile his differences.

The constant name-calling and bullying during his college years in the ‘80s and early ‘90s made Karan question his own identity. The term ‘pansy’ was more than just an insult; it felt like a “direct attack”, he said and challenged who he was at his core. These experiences left a lasting impact on him, creating a sense of vulnerability that he carried for years.
Despite these early challenges, Karan eventually came to accept and embrace his true self. He realized that his differences were not weaknesses but strengths, which could be used to his advantage. He became unapologetic about who he was, turning the negativity he faced into a source of empowerment. The director also addressed the issue of body shaming, condemning those who engage in such behavior as hiding behind their own insecurities.