Yash Johar was a veteran Bollywood film producer who had produced some of the most successful Hindi films. He was the founder of Dharma Productions, established in the year 1976. Films produced by him are famed for featuring exotic locations and lavish sets. He also upheld family values and Indian tradition greatly through his works. Yash Johar was born on 6th September in 1929 in Lahore, British India.
Personal Life of Yash Johar
Yash Johar was married to Hiroo Yash Johar. His son, Karan Johar, is one of the most successful directors of Hindi film industry. After the demise of Yash Johar, his son took over the responsibility of Dharma Productions. Yash Johar died on 26th June 2004 in Mumbai, at the age of 75, owing to a chest infection. Apart from this, he was also suffering from cancer.
Career of Yash Johar
Yash Johar embarked on his illustrious career in the early 1950s, initially making his mark as a publicist and a skilled still photographer. His early endeavors in the film industry included working as a production executive for Sashadhar Mukherjee`s esteemed production company, Filmistan, where he contributed to the success of the film "Love in Simla" in 1960. Subsequently, in 1962, he joined the prestigious Ajanta Arts, led by Sunil Dutt, serving as a production controller for notable films like "Mujhe Jeene Do" and "Yeh Raaste Hai Pyaar Ke." Yash Johar`s expertise further extended to assisting the legendary filmmaker, Dev Anand, in managing the production of the highly acclaimed 1965 film "Guide," which achieved significant success at the box office. He continued his association with Dev Anand`s Navketan Films, taking charge of the production process for films like "Jewel Thief," "Prem Pujari," and "Hare Rama Hare Krishna."
In 1976, Yash Johar took a decisive step in his career and founded his own banner, Dharma Productions, which would go on to leave an indelible mark on the Indian film industry. The debut film produced under Dharma Productions, "Dostana," directed by Raj Khosla, proved to be a resounding box office success in 1980. Over the years, the company produced a series of noteworthy films, including "Duniya" (1984), "Agneepath" (1990), "Gumrah" (1993), and "Duplicate" (1998), among others.
Beyond his accomplishments in the Indian film industry, Yash Johar also ventured into international collaborations. He assumed the role of an associate producer for the acclaimed Hollywood film "The Jungle Book" in 1994, showcasing his versatility and global outlook.
However, it was with the release of the award-winning film "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" in 1998, the directorial debut of his son, Karan Johar, that Dharma Productions reached unprecedented heights of success. Starring Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukherjee, and Salman Khan, the film achieved immense popularity both domestically and in the overseas market. In addition to earning critical acclaim, the film won all major awards in several categories at National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards, Zee Cine Awards, Bollywood Movie Awards and Sansui Viewers` Choice Awards.
Karan Johar`s second directorial venture, "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..." in 2001, also enjoyed tremendous success, further solidifying the reputation of Dharma Productions as a powerhouse in the Indian film industry.
Yash Johar`s influence extended beyond his own production banner. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the production and distribution company Dreamz Unlimited, founded in 1999 by Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Aziz Mirza. Notably, he was instrumental in overseeing the production process of their maiden film, "Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani" (2000).
Yash Johar`s remarkable journey culminated with his involvement in the critically acclaimed and commercially successful film "Kal Ho Naa Ho," which emerged as the highest-grossing film domestically and internationally for the year.
Achievements of Yash Johar
Yash Johar had won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Filmfare Best Film Award for the movie Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in the year 1999. He had also received Zee Cine Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2004.
Filmography of Yash Johar
Dostana (1980)
Duniya (1984)
Muqaddar Ka Faisla (1987)
Agneepath (1990)
Gumrah (1993)
Duplicate (1998)
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001)
Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
