Anushka Sharma is known for her versatility and strong presence in Bollywood, delivering memorable performances since her debut. From playing the girl-next-door to intense roles in hit films, Anushka’s journey has been remarkable. However, few know that filmmaker Karan Johar once openly admitted he initially didn’t want her to step into the industry at all. In a candid video that went viral, Johar shared how he tried to block Anushka from starring in her debut film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.
This revelation surprised fans and added a new layer to the story of Anushka’s rise to stardom. Today, Anushka Sharma is a household name, but back then, she almost missed out on her chance to enter Bollywood because of Karan Johar.
Karan Johar’s Role in Shaping (and Almost Shaking) Anushka’s Career
Karan Johar has launched several star kids and has often faced accusations of promoting nepotism in Bollywood. Known for working with established star families, Johar typically casts familiar faces and has often drawn criticism for it. So, when Aditya Chopra decided to cast a new face like Anushka Sharma in his film, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Karan was not convinced. He admitted that when he first saw Anushka’s picture, he advised Chopra against signing her. According to Karan, he believed Anushka wasn’t fit for the role and suggested that she would not make it big in the industry.
In a throwback video that resurfaced on social media, Johar can be seen confessing, “I wanted to end Anushka Sharma’s career before it began. When Aditya showed me her photo, I told him, ‘Are you crazy? You’re signing her? There’s no way she should be doing this film.’”
A Change of Heart After Band Baaja Baaraat
Despite Karan’s objections, Aditya Chopra went ahead and cast Anushka opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. The film became a massive success, with audiences loving the chemistry between Anushka and Shah Rukh. Anushka’s debut won her accolades, and she quickly rose in popularity. Her career gained further momentum with the release of Band Baaja Baaraat, in which she starred alongside Ranveer Singh.
It was only after seeing her remarkable performance in Band Baaja Baaraat that Karan Johar realized Anushka’s potential. He admitted in the same video that he felt he owed Anushka an apology. “After Band Baaja Baaraat, I called her up. I was embarrassed that I had initially dismissed her talent and tried to stop her from entering the industry,” he revealed. Karan praised her for her performance and recognized her as an exceptional talent, proving his initial judgment wrong.
The Transformation of Anushka Sharma’s Bollywood Journey
Despite Karan’s early reservations, Anushka has gone on to give several hit films. Not only has she starred alongside Shah Rukh Khan and other Bollywood bigwigs, but she has also ventured into production, creating her own space within the industry. Her 2014 film PK, in which she starred with Aamir Khan, was a global hit, raking in a staggering ₹616 crore worldwide.
Today, Anushka Sharma is celebrated for her work and is one of Bollywood’s most influential actresses, proving that talent and determination can overcome initial setbacks. From a newcomer almost dismissed by Karan Johar to becoming a respected actor and producer, Anushka’s journey is one of persistence and triumph.
