Filmmaker Karan Johar has taken a strong stand against what he calls a growing negative “sub-culture” online. In a recent social media post, the producer and director called out certain podcasters and astrologers for spreading negativity and disrespecting the film industry, all in the name of free speech. He made it clear that while he respects credible media, he cannot stay silent about the rise of platforms that thrive on controversy and clickbait.
A Strong Message For Podcasters
In a detailed Instagram story, Johar pointed to a specific group of podcasters who have recently appeared online. He described their shows as “chat shows with new age terminology” that often invite guests who have been out of the spotlight for a long time. According to Johar, these guests then say “the most disrespectful things about hardworking and legendary members of our fraternity.” He ended this part of his message with a clear and firm demand in all caps: “This needs to STOP!!”

Calling Out Insensitive Predictions
Karan Johar didn’t just stop at podcasters. He also took aim at psychics and astrologers who make shocking and often scary predictions about celebrities, sometimes even about their deaths. He labeled this kind of content as “both insensitive and disgusting.” Johar drew a sharp line between the right to free speech and the practice of creating sensational content just to gain more followers. He questioned the trend, asking if it was truly free speech or just “CLICKBAIT for followers,” making his own answer clear with a firm “NO!!!!”
A Producer’s Evolving Journey
Johar’s strong statements on responsibility in the media come as he has also been reflecting on his own career journey. While talking about his upcoming production, Dhadak 2, he admitted that his goals have changed over the years. When he first became a producer with Kal Ho Naa Ho in 2003, his main focus was on box office numbers. Today, however, he feels a greater responsibility to support films that have a deeper social meaning. He praised Dhadak 2‘s director, Shazia Iqbal, for bringing a powerful story to life and representing the kind of meaningful cinema he wants to back.
Karan Johar’s recent comments have sparked an important conversation online about the responsibility of content creators. His stand highlights the growing concern over online negativity and the fine line between open discussion and causing harm.
About Karan Johar
Karan Johar is one of India’s most well-known filmmakers, producers, and television personalities. He is the head of Dharma Productions and has directed some of Bollywood’s biggest hits, including Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and the recent blockbuster Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
(Also read: No More Erotic: Ekta Kapoor’s Ragini MMS 3 Shifts To Horror-Comedy With Tamannaah Bhatia In The Lead )
Stay tuned with us for latest news, Hindi box office news, Hollywood news, OTT news, latest Bollywood news, and latest box office news.