KJo Speaks out on Highlighting ‘Takht’ Writers

The ‘Ae Dil...’ director thinks it’s time the industry gave writers due credit.

Karan Johar next is the period epic Takht.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter)

When Karan Johar announced his magnum opus Takht on Thursday, most people were talking about the spectacular cast he had assembled. Between Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, Vicky Kaushal and Anil Kapoor (whew!) Takht is full of stars.

What caught the attention of industry folks and fans alike was how Karan had decided to credit the writers of the film upfront.

This was especially remarkable considering both writers Sumit Roy and Hussain Haidry are relative newcomers and KJo has never worked with them before. This came at a time when Bollywood has been criticised for not giving writers proper credit. Only recently, writer and lyricist Varun Grover had taken on the makers of Kajol-starrer Helicopter Eela for not crediting the lyricist in their trailer.

This time Varun and Masaan filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan praised the Ae Dil Hai Mushkil director for his grace.

In an interview with Film Companion, Karan spoke about his decision and the importance of writers.

I have always said we need to empower writers. Films fail and succeed because of the writing. How can they not be given center stage in a film that is all about the writers? I will execute it but the true leaders in the game are the writers... I’ve been in the industry for 20 years and it’s about time.

Karan Johar

“I really respect a director like Shoojit Sircar who gives Juhi Chaturvedi so much respect and prominence. Raju Hirani does the same with Abhijat Joshi,” he added.

Takht will release sometime in 2020.

(With Inputs From: Film Companion)