You feel the loneliest in your highs: Karan Johar opens up about loneliness at the National Awards

Karan Johar shares his honest thoughts on loneliness, success, and singlehood in a heartfelt chat with Sania Mirza.

Karan Johar, the famous Bollywood director known for his larger-than-life personality and glamorous movies, recently talked about something people rarely discuss- the feeling of loneliness. Even though he's one of the most successful and well-known people in India, Johar shared that his big career wins often come with a quiet feeling of emptiness.

In a candid conversation on Sania Mirza's podcast Serving It Up with Sania, Johar said, "You feel the loneliest in your highs and not your lows. When I went to the National Awards, they asked me who my plus one was, and I had no one." His words show a truth that many successful people can relate to - even when they're doing well, they still struggle with feeling alone.

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Johar, who is a single parent to twins Yash and Roohi, also shared that even in celebration, he sometimes finds himself feeling detached. “Whose hand do I hold? Where do I go tonight?” he recalled thinking on a night meant to honour his cinematic achievements. While audiences often see him surrounded by stars and friends, these comments show that fame and companionship aren’t the same thing.

He also spoke about the loneliness of everyday life and moments that many overlook. “I don’t go to my dining table. I eat in my room so I can dilute the loneliness,” he admitted, adding that nights like New Year’s Eve feel especially difficult.

His personal story shows a common truth — being around others doesn't always mean you feel close to them, and doing well at work often can't fill the emotional gap created by what society expects in terms of friends and partners.

Why This Matters to Everyone

Johar's ideas make us think about:

• You can feel alone even in a crowded room or when people are clapping for you.
• Being single isn't just about freedom — it can involve feelings of yearning, being unseen, or feeling cut off.
• People and bonds are crucial — regardless of our success or packed schedules.

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Embrace your own company: Create circles of friends, relatives, or hobby groups so you're never alone at gatherings.

Plan your solo activities: Make dining out, exploring new places, or watching shows feel more like a choice than a lack.

Be open about your feelings: Talking about how you feel, even in small ways, helps break down the idea that being alone means being unhappy.

Broaden your idea of what connection means: At times, the 'partner' you need might be yourself — or a group of people you've gathered around you.