Yash Johar was an influential film producer and the founder of Dharma Productions. He is widely remembered as one of the most beloved, Kind and compassionate human beings in the Hindi film industry. Some of his most memorable films include Dostana (1980), Duniya (1984), Agneepath (1990), Gumrah (1993), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham… (2001), and Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003).
Early Life
Yash Johar was born on September 6, 1929, in Lahore, into a Punjabi family linked to the Arya Samaj. He was one of the nine children of his parents. His family moved to Delhi when Yash Johar was still a child. His father had a sweet shop in Old Delhi with the name of Nan Singh Sweets. Exact details of his education are not available, but he was the most educated among all his siblings. Famous filmmaker and comedian IS Johar was his cousin.
Yash Johar – The Humble Beggining
Yash Johar moved to Bombay in the early 1950s after his mother encouraged him to try his luck other than at the family sweetshop. In Bombay he came in contact with the photographer of the Times of India. He used to tag along with him in the shoots, often on the sets of films. One day when the main photographer was absent, he got the chance to go to a set where Madhubala was shooting.
Johar impressed Madhubala with his polite manner and intellect. He was an educated man and could speak English, which further impressed her. Madhubala, who was known for her private conduct, agreed to be photographed by the young man. These photos became his ticket to a permanent job as a still photographer.
Yash Johar started his film career as a publicist for Amiya Chakrabarty’s “Badal (1951),” starring Madhubala and Premnath. He then worked on Bhagwan Das Varma’s “Aurat (1953),” again as a publicist.
Tillotama Shome – A Seasoned Actor
In the late 1950s, he joined Shashadhar Mukherjee’s Filmistan and worked as a production executive for Love In Shimla (1960). He then worked with Nasir Hussain in Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai (1961) starring Dev Anand and Asha Parekh.
When Sunil Dutt started Ajanta Arts in 1962, he worked there for its early films Yeh Rastey Hain Pyar Ke (1963) and Mujhe Jeene Do (1963) as production controller.
In the mid-1960s, he joined Dev Anand’s Navketan International Films, handling production for “Guide (1965).” He also worked on Jewel Thief (1967), Prem Pujari (1970).
Yash Johar launched Dharma Productions in 1976, marking his entry as an independent producer. His first film as a producer was Raj Khosla‘s “Dostana (1980),” written by Salim-Javed. The film featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Shatrughan Sinha went on to become a big hit. His next was Rames Talwar’s Duniya (1984), starring Dilip Kumar. In 1986, he produced Muqaddar ka Faisla starring Raaj Kumar, Rakhee Gulzar, and Raj Babbar.
Critical Acclaim
Yash Johar’s most memorable film was “Agneepath (1990),” directed by Mukul S. Anand. The film, starring Amitabh Bachchan as Vijay Deena Nath Chauhan and Danny as Kancha China, became a cult classic despite initial commercial struggles.
He also produced Mahesh Bhatt’s Gumraah starring Sridevi and Sanjay Dutt in 1993. In 1996 he produced Duplicate starring Shahrukh Khan, Juhi Chawla and Sonali Bendre, again directed by Mahesh Bhatt. In 1994 he was the associate producer of Stephen Sommers’s “Jungle Book.”
His Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), directed by his son Karan Johar, achieved massive success with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. He won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998).” The Filmfare Best Film Award followed for the same film.
He was also the producer of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), which showcased a star-studded cast, including Jaya and Amitabh Bachchan, Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena and Hrithik Roshan, and Rani Mukherjee. Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) marked his final film, a commercial triumph with Shah Rukh Khan. Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta.
Personal Life
Yash married Hiroo Johar. They had one son, Karan Johar, born on May 25, 1972, who succeeded him at Dharma Productions. Yash received a cancer diagnosis during “Kal Ho Naa Ho” production but ensured its completion. He passed away on June 26, 2004, in Mumbai, aged 74, due to a chest infection amid cancer treatment.
Yash Johar on IMDB
