Karan Johar Special: Alia Bhatt, Ananya Panday And More Star Kids Launched By The Filmmaker

By -

MAY 25,2023

Karan Johar is arguably one of the biggest, most entertaining filmmakers we have in Bollywood. His movies have entertained us for decades. Be it his directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai or his upcoming movie Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani, Karan has never failed to make a mass-pleasing movie. In recent years, he became the go-to person for all the star kids.

Alia Bhatt or Ananya Panday, Karan Johar is the reason several star kids kickstarted their careers in Bollywood. While some went on to become phenomenal actors, others were criticized for their questionable acting skills. His favoritism to the nepo kids has led to many celebrities calling him out for the same.

Also Read: Karan Johar To Give Glimpses From Ranveer, Alia's Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani On His Birthday

While Kangana Ranaut called him 'the flag-bearer of nepotism', others blamed him for closing the gates for newcomers. Love him or hate him, you can never ignore KJo.

As the director soon turns 51, let's see the list of star kids who made their big Bollywood debut in Karan Johar movies.

1. Alia Bhatt - Student Of The Year

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and actress Soni Razdan's daughter made her Bollywood debut with Karan Johar's Student Of The Year in 2012. While the movie went on to become a massive hit, many questioned Alia Bhatt's acting skills. However, she worked over her craft and has become one of the top actresses today. She considers KJo her mentor.


Not only in Bollywood, but Alia is also awaiting her big Hollywood debut alongside Gal Gadot and Jamir Dornan in Heart Of Stones. Recently, the actress walked the Met Gala red carpet and looked ravishing in a Prabal Gurung masterpiece.

2. Ananya Panday - Student Of The Year 2

Actor Chunky Panday's daughter got her first big break in Karan Johar's second part of Student Of The Year in 2019. The movie featured Tiger Shroff and marked Tara Sutaria's debut as well. While Ananya has done films with some talented directors, fans still prefer her fashion over acting.

Take The Quiz Now: Love Karan Johar Movies? Let's See If You Can Guess His Early 2000 Films From These Cues

3. Ishaan Khatter - Dhadak

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ishaan (@ishaankhatter)


Shahid Kapoor's baby brother was yet another star kid who made his debut in the Karan Johar movie Dhadak in 2018. The movie was a remake of the Marathi superhit Sairat. While the storyline was tweaked, Ishaan Khatter's performance was highly applauded. However, the actor has not been able to deliver stellar box-office numbers in recent times.

4. Varun Dhawan - Student Of The Year

Filmmaker David Dhawan's son got his first break with Alia Bhatt in Student Of The Year. His performance was appreciated by fans and critics. Today, Varun is one of the A-league young actors in the industry.

5. Janhvi Kapoor - Dhadak

Boney Kapoor and Sridevi's daughter Janhvi Kapoor made her glamorous Bollywood debut with Dhadak alongside Ishaan in 2018. Her performance received mixed reactions. It is now that the Mili actress is delivering some amazing performances and proving she is more than just another star kid.


Also Read: Sara Ali Khan To Ananya Panday, 5 Beauty Lessons Taken From Your Favorite Bollywood Gen Z Divas

6. Shanaya Kapoor - Upcoming Project

Sharing a series of stunning pictures of actor Sanjay Kapoor's daughter, the filmmaker announced Shanaya's glorious Bollywood debut in his upcoming untitled project. He wrote, 'It's going to be an unforgettable and exciting journey that begins with your first film with @DharmaMovies, this July.'

Shanya worked with Dharma Productions as an Assistant Director (AD) on Janhvi Kapoor starrer Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl. The film also featured Pankaj Tripathi and Angad Bedi in pivotal roles.



Radio City wishes Karan Johar a very happy birthday.

ALSO READ