NY Times writes a tribute to Karan Johar, terms him “the man who let India out of the closet”

Karan Johar and his sexuality have always been a topic of discussion, jokes and derogatory remarks. The man never openly confessed about being a gay, but people did make fun of his antics. Being a gay is not a crime, but in India, apparently people are unable to digest this truth. But in his biography, KJo finally spoke about what it is like, being in the limelight constantly, not for his hardwork, but unfortunately, because of his sexuality.

It was like after ages, KJo got the opportunity to let go of the frustration that has been mounting because of the constant reminder of his sexuality. Indeed a bold stance by KJo and it sure did get rewarded too.

The prestigious New York Times, in their latest article on Karan Johar, have applauded the filmmaker for being upfront and courageous enough, to come out and speak over the topic.

The article, which could be rightly called as the tribute to Karan Johar, starts with the sentence, “The most ubiquitous man in Bollywood is under tremendous pressure to utter three simple words: “I am gay.” It goes on to say, “An ocean of innuendo has always surrounded Mr. Johar’s sexuality. He has done more than anybody to introduce the idea of homosexuality into the Indian home. It would seem no closet door was better primed to spring open than his. And yet when he tries the latch, he finds it sticks.”

“What makes Mr. Johar’s case so much of a piece with this particular moment in India is that while he has been circumspect on his sexual orientation, he has, both in his life and his work, been breathtakingly explicit about sex: In 2013, he gave the Indian screen a smouldering gay kiss in ‘Bombay Talkies’; two years later, as roast master in a comic event that millions saw on YouTube, he joked before a live audience, with his mother present, of being the recipient of anal sex; in his new book, that same curious mixture of reticence and candour pervades,” the writer adds.

The article is about how India has always been inside the closet when it comes to accepting gays, but at the same time, KJo is the one who could come out of it and speak on it, share his thoughts like never before. In the end, NY Times says, “Mr. Johar may not have uttered the three magic words, but his life and his work are a portrait in courage. Watching him play the host that night, I couldn’t help thinking that, for all his contradictions, he is a man who has done more than anyone to make India safe for love. One wants him not merely to be brave, but happy — and, needless to say, gay.” (ALSO READ: He inhales abuses and makes us laugh. Here’s why we do not deserve a man like Karan Johar)

Nikita Thakkar

A strongly opinionated, free-spirited, budding Bollywood journalist, she likes to write anything in her own quirky style. When not running around to get assigned tasks completed, you will find her either painting, indulging in photography or dreaming in the la la land.