Book Review: An Unsuitable Boy by Karan Johar
While vacationing at a secluded resort with no internet access but a vast selection of books, I stumbled upon a compelling choice: “An Unsuitable Boy” by Karan Johar. Autobiographies and biographies weren’t my usual cup of tea—I typically leaned towards fiction. However, curiosity got the better of me, prompting me to delve into the intriguing life of Karan Johar.
Snippet:
An Unsuitable Boy begins with Karan Johar’s life as the son of Yash Johar, his early days as an assistant director, and his deep passion for Bollywood and Dharma Productions. As the narrative progresses, it delves into topics such as Karan’s directorial debut with “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” his string of successes with subsequent films, and his relationships with renowned Bollywood actors and actresses.
The autobiography then addresses pivotal moments such as Yash Johar’s passing, Karan’s assumption of leadership at Dharma Productions, and the controversies sparked by his talk show, “Koffee with Karan.” The book concludes with Karan’s candid discussions about his fallout with Kajol, the strains in his relationship with Shah Rukh Khan, his reflections on his sexuality, and his aspirations for the future.
Scribbled Canvas’s Take:
As my first foray into autobiographies, delving into the inner workings of Bollywood and the life of a celebrity like Karan Johar was an eye-opening experience. Amidst the glitz, glamour, and controversies that surround him, it was fascinating to gain his unique perspective and insights on these topics. Reading through the pages felt akin to being a fly on the wall during an episode of “Koffee with Karan,” where Karan himself is the guest, candidly sharing his life experiences.
While some passages exuded honesty, others felt scripted or forced, with a noticeable effort to justify certain actions. The book didn’t offer profound insights into his life but rather provided an overarching view. Nevertheless, for avid Bollywood enthusiasts and especially fans of Karan Johar, An Unsuitable Boy offers a valuable glimpse into his journey towards Bollywood stardom.