Today marks a poignant moment in Bollywood as filmmaker Karan Johar commemorates the 20^th death anniversary of his father, Yash Johar, who passed away on June 26^th, 2004, at the age of 74 due to a chest infection while battling cancer. Taking to social media, Karan Johar shared heartfelt memories alongside archival photographs of his father.

In an emotional post, Karan captioned, “I can’t believe it’s been 20 years… My biggest fear was losing a parent… August 2^nd, 2003 my father told me he had a malignant tumour… my worst nightmare was staring at me and yet it was my duty as his child to stay positive and keep the faith… but the worst thing about instincts is that… they never lie…”

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar)

Reflecting on his father's legacy, Karan continued, “He left us 10 months after… We lost him… but we gained every inch of his mammoth goodwill… I was so proud to be the son of the most solid, soulful and selfless man… he put his relationships above everything else… and has left a legacy of love that my mother and I still live by…”

Expressing his wish that his father could have known his children, Yash and Roohi, Karan wrote, “I wish he knew our children… but I do know he’s watching over them and us… all the time… Love you Papa…”

The tribute post included poignant photographs capturing Yash Johar with his Filmfare Awards, alongside his close friend and colleague Yash Chopra, as well as moments with his wife Hiroo Johar and other industry friends.

Celebrities poured in their condolences and memories in the comments section. Zoya Akhtar wrote, “The Best of the Best,” while Priyanka Chopra Jonas commented, “The best.” Anil Kapoor fondly remembered Yash Johar as a great person, expressing his admiration with heartfelt emojis, joined by other Bollywood personalities like Manish Malhotra, Manisha Koirala, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, Apoorva Mehta, Sonu Sood, and Hrithik Roshan.

Yash Johar, the founder of Dharma Productions, began his career as a publicist and still photographer in the early 1950s. He is celebrated for producing iconic Bollywood hits such as ‘Dostana,’ ‘Agneepath,’ ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,’ ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,’ and ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho,’ leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema.

As Karan Johar and the industry continue to honour his legacy, Yash Johar's contributions to Bollywood remain cherished and remembered by fans and colleagues alike.