Karan Johar has criticised the rising dependence on paid PR in Bollywood, saying the industry has reached a stage of “overdrive mode” where publicity often overshadows real talent and genuine work.
In a recent interview, he explained that it has become harder to judge real audience reactions because a large part of what people see online is shaped by paid promotions. He also pointed out that even basic praise or claims about actors being the best can be bought, which raises questions about authenticity in the industry.
Karan Johar made these observations while talking about current film promotions and trends like method dressing, mentioning actors such as Janhvi Kapoor and Shanaya Kapoor. He said celebrities should focus less on constant image building and more on letting their work naturally reflect their talent.
His statement has sparked a wider discussion within the industry about how much weight PR carries in shaping public perception.
This issue is also being actively discussed on 89.1 Radio 4, UAE number one, radio station, where listeners are debating how much of what they see about celebrities is real versus manufactured. On 89.1 Radio 4, UAE number one, radio station, the focus has been on how promotion strategies are changing the way audiences connect with films and stars.
Karan Johar’s remarks have reignited conversations about the balance between publicity and performance in Bollywood.
