Yash Johar


Yash Johar was an Indian film producer and the founder of Dharma Productions. His films were known for their lavish sets, exotic locations, and emphasis on Indian traditions and family values. He was the father of Karan Johar, a prominent filmmaker who now leads Dharma Productions.

Personal life

Yash Johar was born on 6 September 1929 in Amritsar, Punjab, in a Punjabi Hindu family associated with the Arya Samaj. He married Hiroo Johar, sister of renowned filmmakers B. R. Chopra and Yash Chopra, in 1971, integrating into the prominent Chopra-Johar family. Their son, Karan Johar, born in 1972, inherited his father’s legacy and expanded Dharma Productions into one of India’s leading production houses. Yash Johar died on 26 June 2004 in Mumbai, aged 74, due to a chest infection, while also battling cancer.

Career

Yash Johar began his career in the early 1950s as a publicist and still photographer, working with Sashadhar Mukherjee’s Filmistan studio. He served as a production executive on Love in Simla and later joined Sunil Dutt’s Ajanta Arts in 1962, managing production for films such as Mujhe Jeene Do and Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke. His collaboration with Dev Anand’s Navketan Films was pivotal, where he handled production for successful films like Guide, Jewel Thief, Prem Pujari, and Hare Rama [Hare Krishna (1971 film)|Hare Rama Hare Krishna], establishing his reputation as a skilled production controller.
In 1971, Johar accompanied martial arts star Bruce Lee and actor James Coburn on a location scouting trip in India for a film that was never produced, showcasing his early international exposure. In 1976, he founded Dharma Productions, which became known for its emotionally resonant, family-oriented films with high production values. The company’s first film, Dostana, directed by Raj Khosla, was a box-office success. Subsequent productions like Duniya, Agneepath, Gumrah, and Duplicate solidified Dharma’s reputation.
Johar also served as an associate producer on the Hollywood film The Jungle Book, expanding his influence beyond Indian cinema. The 1998 film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, directed by his son Karan Johar, marked a turning point, becoming a cultural and commercial phenomenon, winning the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. This was followed by Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, another major success.

Selected filmography

Producer

Associate Producer