Karan Johar defends Alia Bhatt amid nepotism allegations, says, 'She is like my first child'

Karan Johar and Alia Bhatt have collaborated multiple times and recently worked together in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Ever since 2017 since Kangana Ranaut spoke about nepotism and blamed the filmmaker for it, the debate refuses to die down. Amid this, while speaking to Mid-day, Johar revealed, “I haven’t and I will not apologize for anything. I will cast who I feel is right. If that person happens to be related to somebody in the industry then so be it. Alia is like my first child. I will always love her in public in person and she will always be part of my life and you can keep saying things, you can call me what you want.” He added, “All the names you want eventually that negativity is eating that person up, not me. I’m rising above, I’ve taken the high road and when you take the high road in life, you cannot change the way of your being because of what people say.” He continued, “I have always done what my heart believes in. My mum has taught me if you weren’t the right, you believe you weren’t the right then how can anyone make a difference.” Professional commitments Work wise, Karan Johar is winning accolades for the film _Kill_ which is backed by him and Guneet Monga’s production house. Kill starring Lakshya and Raghav Juyal premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2023 recently. The 48th annual festival took place from 7 to 17 September. Alia Bhatt ’s on work front Alia, who is basking in the success of Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, has an elaborate work-lineup.