No Smoking, the film that he saw as his career's turning - point bombed. And then there were rumours and speculation about the turbulence level in his relationship with Bipasha.
Just when he was on the verge of starting afresh this year his father again fell ill earlier this week.
But John's not sulking. "All's okay and I'm pretty sure he's going to be all right. Nothing can be more painful than a parent's illness.
When either of my parents are unwell my life just comes to a standstill. I can't focus on anything. No wonder Karan Johar said, 'It All About Loving Your Parents.'
Karan Johar and John have discovered a mutual giggling society.
Says John, "When we're together Karan and I both laugh and giggle....giggle and laugh to the point that people stand and stare at us. In fact when we were in Delhi last week for the launch of the Nano car Karan and I just cracked up repeatedly."
Karan who started shooting with Simi Garewal for NDTV Imagine's Shava shava earlier this week laughs at the mention of John.
"Simi and I have been old friends and we've reunited after a long time. I'm having so much fun shooting with her. Not too many people know this. But John has a wicked sense of humour.
We do have good laughs whenever we get together. Knowing our schedules it isn't that often. But he's someone who can make me laugh."
John starts shooting for Karan's untitled production directed by Tarun Mansukhani in two months.
"Really looking forward to that. I've worked with Karan before in Kaal. But this is something that has never been done before. And I'm with two of my favourite co-stars Priyanka Chopra and Abhishek Bachchan.
I just love all the Bachchans to death. The last time we were together for Dhoom Abhishek and I just freaked out. I think Karan's film will be loads of fun."
So it's not only about loving your parents, it's also about loving your friends.
