- Monday, February 03, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Karan Johar has long been Bollywood’s kingmaker, especially when it comes to launching star kids. His production house, Dharma Productions, has given some of today’s biggest stars their first break. Now, two more star kids—Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor—are gearing up to make their big-screen debut, adding to Johar’s legacy of nurturing young talent.
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Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, is all set to make his Bollywood debut with Nadaaniyan, a coming-of-age romance directed by Kayoze Irani and produced under Dharma Productions. Ibrahim, who has previously worked as an assistant director on Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, will be stepping into the limelight with this film.
Joining him is Khushi Kapoor, daughter of the late Sridevi and producer Boney Kapoor, who recently made her OTT debut in The Archies. Nadaaniyan is expected to be a youthful love story filled with drama, music, and Johar’s signature larger-than-life storytelling.
With this, Ibrahim and Khushi join an elite club of Bollywood stars who owe their debut to Karan Johar. Here’s a look at some of the biggest names he has launched over the years.
1. Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt was introduced to Bollywood with Student of the Year (2012) alongside Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra. From a debutante to a National Award-winning actress, Alia has proven her versatility with films like Raazi, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and Brahmāstra.
2. Varun Dhawan
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Another Student of the Year (SOTY) alum, Varun Dhawan, quickly established himself as a commercial success. With films like Badlapur, Judwaa 2, and Bhediya, he continues to balance masala entertainers with experimental cinema.
3. Sidharth Malhotra
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Sidharth Malhotra, the third breakout star from SOTY, has found his niche in action films like Shershaah and Marjaavaan. His career has seen its ups and downs, but he remains a prominent Bollywood name.
4. Ananya Panday
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Daughter of Chunky Panday, Ananya Panday made her debut with Student of the Year 2 (2019). While she started with lighthearted rom-coms, she has been experimenting with diverse roles, such as in Gehraiyaan and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan.
5. Janhvi Kapoor
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Launched in Dhadak (2018), Janhvi Kapoor, daughter of Sridevi, has evolved as an actress, taking on challenging roles in Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, Mili, and Mr. & Mrs. Mahi. Her acting prowess has earned her widespread recognition.
6. Ishaan Khatter
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Although Ishaan Khatter’s first film, Beyond the Clouds, wasn’t a Dharma production, Karan Johar gave him mainstream exposure with Dhadak. Ishaan has since starred in critically acclaimed projects like A Suitable Boy and Pippa.
7. Tara Sutaria
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Tara Sutaria also made her Bollywood debut with Student of the Year 2 and later starred in films like Marjaavaan and Tadap. She is known for her glamorous screen presence and powerful performances.
8. Shanaya Kapoor
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Daughter of Sanjay Kapoor, Shanaya Kapoor is another star kid set to debut under Dharma Productions with Bedhadak. The film, however, has faced delays, but fans are eagerly waiting for her big break.
Over the years, Karan Johar has solidified his reputation as a filmmaker who introduces fresh faces to Bollywood. While some of his launches have faced criticism for nepotism, many of these actors have worked hard to prove themselves. With Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor stepping into Bollywood, Johar continues his tradition of shaping the next generation of Bollywood stars.
