Bollywood’s ace filmmaker Karan Johar, known for his larger-than-life films and glamorous public image, recently opened up about one of the most vulnerable moments of his life. Behind the scenes of the glitz and glamour, Karan faced an intense emotional breakdown — one that left him drenched in sweat and in tears by the end of the day.

When the Spotlight Triggered Anxiety

This emotional moment unfolded at the grand launch of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), a star-studded event attended by who’s who of Bollywood, including actor Varun Dhawan. Amidst the razzle-dazzle and flashing cameras, Karan Johar found himself battling a storm within.

As he recounted later, he experienced a severe anxiety attack during the event. Speaking on the eighth season of his talk show ‘Koffee with Karan’, the filmmaker made this heartfelt revelation in an episode featuring Deepika Padukone, who was discussing her own struggles with depression. Karan revealed that during the NMACC event, he began sweating uncontrollably, felt disoriented, and believed he might be having a heart attack. His heart was racing, and his hands began trembling.

Varun Dhawan Stepped In

Noticing something was off, Varun Dhawan initially observed from a distance before approaching Karan to check if he was okay. By then, Karan was visibly distressed. Recognizing the urgency, Varun gently escorted him to a private room where Karan could calm down. The momentary isolation helped Karan feel slightly better, but the trauma hadn’t passed.

Within half an hour, Karan left the event and headed straight home.

Tears Behind Closed Doors

The emotional toll of the evening reached its peak once Karan returned home. After taking off his jacket and settling into his room, he broke down completely. He cried bitterly in bed, overwhelmed by the panic and emotional chaos he had experienced. The next day, he spoke to his psychologist — a move that highlights the importance of mental health support, even for those in the limelight.

Karan Johar called that period “very difficult” and emphasized how that episode was just one of several moments when he had to confront his mental health struggles. He has, on many occasions, spoken about facing depression and anxiety, encouraging open conversations around mental well-being.

The Man Behind the Camera

Karan Johar’s revelation serves as a powerful reminder that even the most celebrated personalities are not immune to mental health challenges. Despite his success, fame, and public persona, Karan’s journey is filled with deeply human moments of vulnerability.

This candid confession from one of India’s top filmmakers not only sheds light on the pressure of being constantly in the public eye but also contributes to breaking the stigma around mental health.

In a world where perfection is often projected, Karan Johar’s honesty is both rare and courageous. His experience at the Ambani event is a testimony that seeking help and expressing emotions are signs of strength — not weakness.