Prince William calls KJo an 'icon', promises to watch Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

Prince William praised Karan Johar for helping strengthen the Earthshot Prize's presence in India and agreed to watch the filmmaker's 2001 family drama, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, after a journalist recommended it to him.

In Short

• Prince William praised filmmaker Karan Johar as an icon
• William appreciated Johar's help with Earthshot Prize in India
• He promised to watch Johar's film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

Prince William may soon be introduced to the drama, family feuds and emotional reunions of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. The Prince of Wales has praised filmmaker Karan Johar, calling him an “icon” and acknowledging his contribution to the Earthshot Prize. He has also promised to watch Johar’s 2001 family drama after a journalist recommended the film during a conversation about their recent meeting in London.

The interaction took place around an event linked to the Earthshot Prize, an environmental initiative founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation. Karan has been helping the project strengthen its presence in India, with the Prince expressing appreciation for his involvement.

Speaking to BBC Asian Network about meeting the filmmaker, William said, “Really cool. I mean, he's again an icon, and he's been so helpful in kind of being able to help the Earthshot prize land, well, in India. We want to make it a truly Indian Earthshot Prize. It's the biggest one we've done.”

The Prince also described Karan as “modest” while discussing his work with the initiative. The conversation soon shifted to Bollywood, with the journalist asking whether William had watched any of the filmmaker’s movies.

William admitted that he had not seen any of Karan’s films yet, but suggested that could change. “No, he's being very modest. But I'm sure as time goes on, he'll introduce some more films to me,” he said.

The journalist then had a specific recommendation for the Prince: Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, popularly known as K3G. Released in 2001, the family drama features an ensemble cast led by Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor Khan. The film remains one of Karan’s most popular directorial ventures.

Encouraging William to watch it, the journalist said, “Yeah, we all say K3G anyway. If you meet Karan again, 'Tell him, I'm going to watch your film K3G, he'll love you.'”

William agreed to pass on the message, replying, “Okay got it, I'll mention that too when I see him.”

Meanwhile, the Earthshot Prize Summit will bring together representatives from business, environmental innovation, funding and community organisations for discussions and collaboration. The summit will lead up to the sixth Earthshot Prize Awards Night on November 17, 2026, where 15 finalists will be recognised and five winners will receive £1 million each to develop and expand their environmental solutions.

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