Most Bollywood actors today are not just dependent on the movies for their paycheques. Many actors have ventured into several businesses and widened their horizons. In a recent interview, Karan Johar has opened up on this and why more and more actors are venturing into business investments. He pointed out how despite being a huge star, Shah Rukh Khan is so involved with his IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Johar recalled that SRK partnered with KKR when the Indian Premier League was launched in 2007. According to him, this marked the “first time that there was a genuine, amazing, master partnership.” He said in this interview with Sarthak Ahuje, “Shah Rukh Khan bought a cricket team when it started decades ago, look at the valuation today, why is it? It is because SRK is obsessed, passionate and sincerely active about his liaison with KKR. He is not just adding presence in that stadium or giving his name to that partnership. It is because he strategises, he engages, he obsesses, he gives hours of his time to that liaison. That is why it is such a profitable venture for him and that is why it’s probably bigger than any business in movies that he is engaged with.”
At the time of purchase, Shah Rukh Khan reportedly acquired a 55 per cent stake when the team was valued at around Rs 300 crore.
Reports earlier this year suggested that the actor is now looking to increase his holding by another 35 per cent, a move that could cost close to Rs 4,000 crore.
Johar went on to give other examples of celebrity founders who are deeply involved in their brands, mentioning Alia Bhatt maternity and baby brand and Katrina Kaif’s make-up brand up. Emphasising their hands-on approach, he said, “Katrina genuinely engages. I am telling you the success stories. I know what Alia puts into her brand.”
According to Johar, consumers are quick to sense whether a star is merely lending their name or is genuinely invested in the business. “My first thing is how engaged will you be? Or are you fake engaging? Are you just posting videos? Are you just doing live Instagram videos? Are you just adding your name? Are you just doing paid partnerships but not having equity deals with it? Are you genuinely engaged?” he said.
Reflecting on his own entrepreneurial journey, Johar shared that he once considered launching a streetwear label but soon realised the space was already crowded with international players. “I will be one of many,” he thought, before pivoting to a jewellery brand aligned with his personal interests. “I knew that’s my passion hugely because I have grown up surrounded by my mother’s obsession with jewellery,” he said, adding that he bought his mother her first solitaire after his initial success with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai when he was just 25. Today, Johar has been the face of the brand for several years and remains actively involved in its day-to-day operations.
