Director Karan Johar is all praise and gratitude for veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra, saying "I am here because of him".

"I think that his studio model and work he has done for Indian cinema is commendable and will be emulated by everybody else," Johar told a charity ball organised by Rotary Club Garden City at the Australian Embassy here last night.

Yash Chopra was also present on the occasion.

Asked about his next venture, Johar said he was "still ideating".

Speaking about his entry into film making, he recalled his days of working with the Chopra family on "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge".

"DDLJ inspired me to be a filmmaker. On the sets of the film, I felt like a member of the Chopra family. It is because of Yashji and his two brilliant sons that I am here today," said Johar.