On his 40th birthday, Karan Johar talks about his clout and what his big fat party is all about...

Karan Johar's birthday celebrations are almost akin to some film awards event. The filmmaker's friends are clearly pulling out all stops to make it a memorable night and KJo is feeling super about it. The filmmaker who turns 40 today, talks about his clout and makes a birthday wish.

Excerpts from the Q and A...

What's the first thought that comes to your mind on turning 40?
I feel super. It's the mid-point of life. That comes to mind first. I always wanted a big celebration. And since I have not yet had a big wedding, 40 being a round figure and me completing 15 years in the industry, I decided to have a big party. It's been a great ride, and I've made some wonderful relations along the journey.

Naughty associated with men when they turn 40. What's your take on Naughty at 40?
I think that is over-exaggerated. One should be naughty at 20, 30 and even 50 and 60. You should go with your heart in whatever you do. I'd like to be naughty all my life.

Then share some of the most naughty things you done so far?
I'm not naughty by nature. All I did in my 20s and 30s was work. I haven't done many exciting things, so no skeletons in my closet that I've kept away from the world. My life has been personally bland and professionally spicy.


Your 40th birthday bash is the most talked about event of the year.
I feel lot of gratitude. That's the first emotion. I feel blessed to have such wonderful relationships. I'm a people person and I love the industry. Although there have been so many perceptions about the industry, I've made my best relationships and friendships here.

You're also said to be a powerful person in the industry. What do you think about the power you wield?
I'm happy doing what I'm doing, making movies. While every success matters, failure also affects me. I don't think I wield any kind of power. I don't feel powerful. Every day, I'm never content, never satisfied, never sure. I don't know power. I feel insecure.

That's surprising coming from a filmmaker whose banner every actor wants to work with.
Any creative person is always insecure. If you have to maintain your feet firmly on the ground, be insecure. I think when you're sure, your downfall starts. These are the two important things I've learnt here; acknowledge others' success and always be insecure of your own work. Without these two, you will never get the success you aspire to achieve.


Looking back at the 20s and 30s, which would you recall as the two turning points in your life?
My 20s gave me my first film, Kuchh Kuch Hota Hai. In my 30s I mounted my company on a bigger level, but also lost my father. In my 40s, I want to take my company to a larger level, and every single day, work to make my father proud.

Wherever in the universe he may be, I want him to be proud of my work for the banner, because he matters the most to me. Following my dreams has always been my goal; to take filmmaking on a higher sphere.