Karan Johar says Filmfare leaves him "emotional." The filmmaker spoke at the press conference in Ahmedabad, where the Times Group was present as the official
partners with the Government of Gujarat. The Filmfare Awards will mark its 70th edition in 2025. Johar, who has been part of the movie making business ever since he turned director with 1998 blockbuster Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, looked back at his journey at the Filmfare awards over the years, that he witnessed when his later father Yash Johar made films.
Karan Johar calls Filmfare an 'emotion'
"When it comes to Filmfare, it really works on an emotional level. I still remember when I won my first Filmfare award. It was in 1999 for my film, which released in 1998. I was very nervous. It was very competitive because there were so many films that year. I was sitting with my father and I was very stressed as the category of Best Director was approaching. Papa turned around and said 'Beta 11 baar Gayatri Mantra yaad kar lo' (Son, just recite Gayatri Mantra 11 times) and you might win this award. I remember that moment beautifully," Johar said.
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KJo remember winning his first Filmfare
Looking back at his first brush at grabbing the Black Lady of Filmfare, KJo recalled how he was extremely nervous when his father, filmmaker Yash Johar gave his perfect advice. "I remember what it meant to me to win my first Filmfare award. As a filmmaker, as a member of the fraternity, a Filmfare is not just a recognition. It's beyond being an award," Johar added.
He expressed the pride an artist feels in becoming part of a legacy. "For our industry, it's an emotion, because it is the most archived award, going back to 70 years, and then when your name gets added to history that flaunts of artists like Bimal Roy, Raj Kapoor, Guru Dutt, Dev Anand, Madhubala, Meena Kumari, Nutan, Lata Mangeshkar... The great names in the list, and even when your film gets nominated, for us it's a historic moment. You are basically enveloping and embracing nostalgia. That's how important Filmfare awards are."
Turning host again
Karan Johar even hosted the 69th edition of the Filmfare Awards in 2024. A prolific host who often takes up MC duties at various events revealed that his hosting journey began on the Filmfare stage.
"Last year I had the honour and privilege of hosting the 69th Filmfare Awards in Gujarat. I thank the illustrious panel for allowing us and opening your hearts to us, to come to this beautiful state of Gujarat. That feeling was so emotional for us, that we wanted to come here again for the 70th edition too," the Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani director said.
"The first time I ever hosted was at the Filmfare Awards in 2000. I've been doing that for 25 years and continue to do it. Filmfare began my journey and I hope it doesn't stop because there's nothing more illustrious than standing on this stage and sharing it with the most talented people of the industry," he shared.
Johar picked Raj Kapoor's lines and said emotionally, "Filmfare will go beyond all of us. Because it is how Raj Kapoor said 'Kal khel mein hum ho na ho, gardish mein taare rahenge sadaa'"
Filmfare Awards press conference
The event on August 28 was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Vineet Jain, Managing Director of The Times Group, along with filmmaker Karan Johar, actor Vikrant Massey, and several other dignitaries.
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The Times Group’s MD, Vineet Jain emphasised the long-standing legacy of Filmfare as the country’s most prestigious film awards platform, celebrating cinematic excellence for seven decades. He said, "For 70 years, Filmfare has celebrated the best of Indian cinema. Hosting the awards in Gujarat for the second year in a row is a reflection of the strong partnership we share and the momentum we are building together."
"We are excited and proud to host the 70th Filmfare Awards 2025 here in Gujarat and look forward to making this another unforgettable celebration," he added further.
The Filmfare Awards, known for honouring outstanding achievements across Hindi cinema, will once again bring together the biggest names in Bollywood, along with directors, producers, writers, and technicians who shape the industry.
