Yash Johar might be remembered among Gen-Z as Karan Johar’s late father but he was much more than that. The founder of Bollywood hit factory Dharma Productions, Johar was a visionary film producer whose career spanned several decades.
Here’s a look at his decorated career and filmography.
How did Yash Johar start out?
The Ludhiana-born producer began his foray into the film industry in the 1950s, initially working as a publicist and later as a production assistant to cult classics like Dev Anand’s Guide. His passion for storytelling and an innate understanding of the cinematic craft soon led him to establish his own production company, Dharma Productions, in 1979. The name "Dharma" reflects not only the values and principles associated with Indian culture but also Yash Johar's commitment to creating meaningful and socially relevant cinema.
From Dostana to Kuch Kuch Hota Hai: The films produced by Yash Johar
One of Yash Johar's early successes as a producer was the 1980 film Dostana, directed by Raj Khosla. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, and Zeenat Aman, the film was a critical and commercial success, establishing Johar as a producer with a knack for delivering engaging and entertaining content. This success set the stage for a prolific career that would see the production of numerous iconic films.
Yash Johar’s eye for multi-genre projects was visible in diverse 90s-era productions like the action revenge drama Agneepath that still endures as one of Amitabh Bachchan’s best movies. The Mahesh Bhatt-directed action dramas Gumrah and Duplicate similarly were produced under his Dharma banner. Interestingly enough, Yash Johar was also credited as an associate producer on 1994’s The Jungle Book.
The Legacy of Dharma and Yash Johar
Beyond his commercial successes, Yash Johar was instrumental in launching and nurturing the careers of many Bollywood stars. His keen eye for talent and commitment to providing a platform for new actors and filmmakers helped shape the industry. Actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and directors like his own son Karan Johar found early success under the banner of Dharma Productions, owing much of their careers to Yash Johar's mentorship and guidance.
Yash Johar's legacy extends beyond the films he produced; it encompasses his role as a pioneer in shaping the modern Bollywood landscape. Dharma Productions, under the stewardship of his son Karan Johar, continues to be a powerhouse in the Indian film industry, maintaining Yash Johar's commitment to quality storytelling and cinematic excellence. The values instilled by Yash Johar – integrity, innovation, and a dedication to artistic expression – remain at the core of Dharma Productions, ensuring that his influence endures in every frame produced by the banner.
Even though his last film credit as a producer was Kal Ho Naa Ho, Dharma Productions continues churning out some of contemporary Bollywood’s biggest hits and Karan Johar’s best movies like My Name is Khan and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
Why is Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Yash Johar’s best movie?
An intriguing love triangle. Career-defining performances by Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukherji. Songs shot on lavish sets and exotic foreign locations. And a feel-good blend of drama, romance, and comedy. All rolled up in a directorial debut package by Karan Johar. What’s not to love about Yash Johar’s best 90s-era production!
Where can you stream Yash Johar’s best filmography?
Netflix and Prime Video are the go-to OTT services to stream films produced by Yash Johar.
