Karan Johar, the celebrated Bollywood filmmaker, is known for his candidness and witty remarks, and he has often offered glimpses into the inner circles of the Hindi film industry. One recurring theme that emerges from his media appearances is the existence and nature of Bollywood WhatsApp groups. These groups, as revealed by Johar, range from being close-knit circles for sharing opinions on movies to forums for discussing fashion choices with a critical eye.
Johar has spoken about several such groups over the years. One of the most talked-about is a group chat he shares with close friends Kareena Kapoor Khan, Malaika Arora, and Amrita Arora. This group, reportedly named "Guttttts" (with five "t"s), serves as a platform for critiquing the fashion sense of other Bollywood celebrities. Johar has said the name is a play on words, suggesting that members discuss those who have the "guts" to step out in questionable outfits, and that they "gut" them with their opinions.
In an interview, Johar admitted to taking screenshots of celebrities' airport or gym looks to share and discuss within these groups. The "Guttttts" group apparently focuses on dissecting fashion faux pas, with members fearlessly expressing their views on celebrity style choices. While some might consider such a group to be insensitive, it undeniably offers a peek into the behind-the-scenes banter among Bollywood's elite.
However, not all of Johar's WhatsApp groups are purely for entertainment and gossip. He has also mentioned being part of a more exclusive "A-list" group with filmmakers Ayan Mukerji and Abhishek Varman. According to Johar, membership in this group is limited to individuals whose names begin with the letter "A," with Johar jokingly adding that he qualifies due to the "pun on A-list". This group serves as a forum for discussing movie trailers and films, providing a space for industry insiders to share their unfiltered reactions. Interestingly, Johar revealed that actors Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt were once denied entry into this group, with Ayan Mukerji reportedly wanting to avoid potential conflicts arising from differing opinions on their movies.
Beyond these industry-centric groups, Johar has also spoken about his experiences in WhatsApp groups related to his children, Yash and Roohi. As a single parent, he finds himself navigating the world of school WhatsApp groups, which are often dominated by mothers. Johar has humorously noted the daunting yet hilarious experience of being on two such groups, each with over 30 members. He actively participates in these groups and attends parent-teacher meetings, fulfilling the roles of both mother and father for his children.
On the topic of being a single parent, Johar has also spoken about the emotional challenges and how he deals with them. He recounted a time when an online comment questioning his decision to raise his children without a mother deeply affected him. However, the love and acceptance he receives from his children and his "found family" of close friends have reinforced his conviction in his role as a single parent. These friends, he says, have been an exceptional support system, helping him navigate both tough and happy times.
