Karan Johar reveals he deals with body dysmorphia, says it is ‘very awkward getting into a pool without feeling pathetic’

Reflecting on his childhood, he noted, “Nothing has changed since I was eight. I self-body shame myself all the time."

In a candid interview with Faye D’Souza, acclaimed director Karan Johar revealed his ongoing battle with body dysmorphia, highlighting the persistent challenges he faces despite years of effort and professional help.

He expressed his discomfort with his physical appearance, stating, "I have body dysmorphia, I am very awkward getting into a pool. I don’t know how to do it without feeling pathetic. I’ve tried very hard to overcome it. No matter what the success you achieve, no matter who you think you are in your own head, I’m always in oversized clothes. Even if I lose the weight, and I try very hard, I’m always battling with it, but I’m always feeling I’m fat. So I don’t want you to see any part of my body.”

Karan admitted that even around close friends, he feels the need to stay in his robe until the last possible moment before entering the pool.

Reflecting on his childhood, he noted, “Nothing has changed since I was eight. I self-body shame myself all the time. The day you feel you’re looking good…doesn’t matter what you’ve achieved. Even in situations of intimacy, I need to put the lights out. I’ve been to therapy for it. All these issues…all fester and create mental health issues. I even took medication after suffering from a panic attack.”

This isn't the first instance where Karan has spoken openly about his mental health struggles. While promoting the eighth season of "Koffee with Karan," he shared with PTI, "“What happens to me or anybody else, it can happen to anybody. It doesn't mean you need a trigger, sometimes it is a result of many things, sometimes there's a trigger. When I spoke about my anxiety, it was to share a part of life that exists. That exists today as well, while I speak. I've no fear in saying that I'm on medication.”

He also delved into this topic in conversations with actors Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh during one of the show's episodes.