Top News

Born on September 6 1929 in pre-partition Lahore Yash Johar grew up managing the family sweet shop post-Partition in Delhi. “You just wanted your stomachs to be full” he recalled of his modest upbringing. With nine siblings depending on whoever mattered most his mother recognised his restlessness and supported his move to Mumbai to pursue his passion. Snapping a star into stardom In 1950 young Yash began working as a photographer for a news agency. His moment came on the set of Mughal-e-Azam when Madhubala charmed by his fluent English and confidence permitted him to photograph her—and even gave him a personal tour of the set. This encounter opened the doors to the filmmaking world. Rising through the studio ranks Yash honed his craft at Sunil Dutt’s Ajanta Arts in the early 1950s assisting on films like Mujhe Jeene Do and Yeh Raste Hain Pyaar Ke. He then moved to Navketan Films producing classics like Guide (1965) Jewel Thief Prem Pujari and Hare Rama Hare Krishna. His success with Guide cemented his place in the industry. Dharma is born In 1976 Johar fulfilled his largest cinematic ambition: founding Dharma Productions. Named to reflect his spiritual grounding Dharma released its first hit Dostana (1980) starring Amitabh Bachchan Shatrughan Sinha and Zeenat Aman. Although subsequent releases like Duniya Agnipath and Gumrah were moderate performers Johars lavish sets and emotive storytelling carved a unique niche. Legacy forged with his son Yash’s true masterpiece was the dynasty he built with his son Karan Johar. Together they crafted blockbusters—Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) and Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003). The latter Yash’s final film remains a cultural touchstone celebrated for its depth values and emotional resonance. A personal life as dramatic as his films In 1971 Yash married Heera Johar sister of BR and Yash Chopra legendary filmmakers. A story often told is how he proposed to her in front of icons like Dilip Kumar Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor. Yash passed away on June 26 2004 at 74 after battling cancer and a chest infection. Under Karan’s leadership Dharma Productions ascended to its place as one of Bollywood’s major powerhouses.