While Karan Johar is often credited with introducing new talent in the industry, he has confessed that he had almost sabotaged chances of Anushka Sharma's Bollywood debut. In an interview with Bombay Times, Karan has revealed how he questioned Aditya Chopra's decision of casting Anushka Sharma for Band Baaja Baaraat and insisted that he select the other actress who was shortlisted, along with Anushka, for the role. However, he adds that Aditya was insistent on Anushka as he was impressed by her acting skills. Karan asserts that he had tried his best to convince Aditya of the other girl but to no avail. He admits that he let go of the guilt by apologising to Anushka for coming in the way of casting her in her debut. Karan also raved about Anushka in the interview, terming her sense of honesty to be rare.

In an interview with Pinkvilla.com, Karan Johar has revealed that Anurag had discussed Bombay Velvet with him, seeking feedback from a fellow filmmaker. He confesses that her was blown away by the concept of the movie since the '60s was his favourite era but what he didn't know was that Anurag wanted him to play the part of Kaizad Khambatta. Although skeptical, Karan agreed to do the part because even the worst possibility wasn't the worst. He went with his gut and tried to learn as much as possible on an Anurag Kashyap set. Upon being asked about his character, he explained that all the respective alter egos are Khambatta. He added that there's a second part of our personality that wants to manipulate; wanting to be evil and scheming. We get these dark, deep thoughts all the time. He further reasoned that it is the coating of humanity on all of us actually makes us not act on that part. Karan Johar has mentored 13 directors in Bollywood and described that a certain amount of manipulation always happens in the profession since most of it involves handling people and their sensitivities, egos and insecurities. He continues by saying that half lies are what most of us say. Or rather half-truths is what we live on.h live on!