Karan Johar, who is known as a great director-producer and brilliant host in Bollywood, was recently seen in Amazon Prime’s popular show ‘Too Much with Kajol and Twinkle’ with his student Janhvi Kapoor. In this episode, childhood friends Kajol, Twinkle Khanna and Karan got lost in many old memories and interesting revelations. At the same time, Janhvi Kapoor was feeling like the ‘fourth wheel’ in the gang of ‘Three Friends’. Many legendary couples have appeared in this show before – like Salman Khan and Aamir Khan, Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt, and Chunky Pandey and Govinda.
But this time’s episode was more special because Karan talked openly about his personal life, mental health and insecurities. Karan Johar told, ‘I have never been comfortable in my own skin.’ During the show, Twinkle jokingly described Karan as the most liked and most disliked person. Everyone smiled at his comment, but then the conversation took a serious turn when Karan shared his experiences on body dysmorphia.
Karan said, ‘If you are not truthful in an interview, there is no point in giving it. I have always spoken openly about my mental health, body dysmorphia and insecurities, because these things make me human. He told that since childhood he felt uncomfortable with his body. I never felt comfortable in my own skin. Even today, despite growing older, I am very self-aware. However, Karan also admitted that now he feels better than ever and is working on his mental health.
When Twinkle praised Karan for losing weight, she said a deep thing, ‘No matter how much your body changes, but if you are not able to change what is going on in your mind, then it does not matter.’ Karan told that he takes therapy sessions and it is like a journey of self-discovery for him. He said that this journey of self-improvement is not easy, but it is very important.
Karan had earlier also talked about this topic in Raj Shamni’s podcast. He had admitted that even at the age of 52, when he stands in front of the mirror, he finds it difficult to see himself. He had said, ‘I feel that I still have not been able to fully accept myself, but now I am working on it.’
The atmosphere of the show suddenly became light when Jhanvi Kapoor asked Karan to play a game of one truth and one lie. Karan said smilingly, ‘I lost my virginity at the age of 36, and I have been in a relationship with a member of your family.’ Hearing this, Jhanvi’s face turned pale and Kajol-Twinkle burst out laughing. Karan immediately clarified the matter and said that the ‘Kapoor family statement’ part is a lie, and he was just joking.
Body dysmorphia, also known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), is a mental health condition in which a person has excessive concerns about their physical appearance or a particular physical characteristic. In this situation, people tend to exaggerate minor or imaginary flaws in their appearance and keep thinking about them again and again. This anxiety can be so severe that it impacts their daily life, self-confidence, social relationships and mental health.
Thinking about oneself the most: A person repeatedly worries about his physical appearance, such as face, skin, nose, hair, weight or any part of the body.
Imaginary or minor imperfections: imperfections that are not visible to others, but that the person feels are very obvious and serious.
Frequent checking: Repeatedly looking at oneself in the mirror or avoiding the mirror altogether.
Social isolation: Avoiding social events, friends, or family because of one’s perceived shortcomings.
Excessive improvement efforts: Trying to improve one’s appearance through methods such as frequent cosmetic surgery, excessive use of makeup, or dieting.
Negative thoughts: Low self-esteem, embarrassment, or belief that people are making fun of them because of their appearance.
