Prince William has described Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar as an "icon" and expressed interest in watching his 2001 family drama Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, popularly known as K3G, following their recent meeting in London.
The Prince of Wales praised Johar for helping strengthen the Earthshot Prize's presence in India, where the global environmental awards ceremony will be held for the first time in November.
Speaking to BBC Asian Network, William recalled his interaction with Johar and acknowledged the filmmaker's contribution to the environmental initiative, which was established by the Prince and The Royal Foundation.
𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗮𝗿
Asked about meeting one of Bollywood's leading filmmakers, William described the interaction as an enjoyable experience.
"Really cool. I mean, he's again an icon," William said, crediting Johar with helping the Earthshot Prize establish a stronger connection with India.
The Prince also emphasised the importance of making the environmental initiative relevant to Indian audiences and recognising the country's contribution to addressing global environmental challenges.
"We want to make it a truly Indian Earthshot Prize. It's the biggest one we've done," he said.
William also described Johar as modest, suggesting that the filmmaker had understated his achievements during their interaction.
𝗞𝟯𝗚 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗮 𝗿𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
The conversation subsequently turned to Johar's films when the journalist asked William whether he had watched any of the director's Bollywood productions.
The Prince admitted that he had not yet seen Johar's films but suggested that the filmmaker might introduce him to some of his work in the future.
"No, he's being very modest. But I'm sure as time goes on, he'll introduce some more films to me," William said.
The journalist then recommended Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, suggesting that the Prince watch the film and mention it to Johar during their next meeting.
William responded positively, saying, "Okay got it, I'll mention that too when I see him."
His response indicated that he was open to the recommendation, although he did not specify when he planned to watch the film.
𝗔 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘆𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟬𝟭
Released in December 2001, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham remains among Johar's best-known directorial ventures.
The family drama features an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor Khan.
The film explores family relationships, generational differences, love and reconciliation, with its story revolving around an estranged son and his eventual reunion with his family.
The production enjoyed considerable popularity among overseas audiences, particularly in Britain, where Hindi films have a longstanding following.
Its songs, performances and emotional storyline have helped maintain its popularity more than two decades after its release.
𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮
Johar's meeting with Prince William was connected to the Earthshot Prize, an environmental initiative that supports innovative solutions to major challenges facing the planet.
The initiative was founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation to encourage efforts aimed at protecting and restoring the environment.
The 2026 Earthshot Prize Summit will bring together environmental innovators, business leaders, investors and community organisations to discuss solutions and opportunities for collaboration.
The two-day programme will culminate in the sixth Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony on November 17.
Fifteen finalists will be recognised, with five winners receiving GBP 1 million each to support the development and expansion of their environmental projects.
Johar has been associated with efforts to strengthen the initiative's presence in India and encourage wider participation in its activities.
𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗮𝗿'𝘀 𝘂𝗽𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀
Meanwhile, Johar continues to remain active in film and digital entertainment.
His celebrity talk show Koffee with Karan is approaching the conclusion of its run, with Salman Khan appearing in the opening episode of its final season.
Actors Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna are also expected to appear on the show in connection with their film Ranabaali.
Johar has additionally announced Student of the Year – After Dark, a darker interpretation of the popular franchise, featuring Shanaya Kapoor.
The series is scheduled to premiere on JioHotstar on November 13, coinciding with the franchise's 14th anniversary.
William's remarks have brought renewed attention to Johar's international profile and his involvement in the Earthshot Prize, while introducing the possibility of the Prince discovering one of Bollywood's most recognisable family dramas.