Bollywood's celebrated filmmaker Karan Johar on Sunday announced he feels "enormously blessed" to have become a father to twins via surrogacy. Celebrities like actress Priyanka Chopra and choreographer-filmmaker Farah Khan congratulated him on the "happy" news.
The daughter has been named Roohi -- a rearrangement of Karan's mother's name Hiroo, and the son has been christened Yash -- after Karan's late father.
Karan, 44, said: "I am ecstatic to share with you all the two most wonderful additions to my life, my children and lifelines: Roohi and Yash. I feel enormously blessed to be a parent to these pieces of my heart who were welcomed into this world with the help of the marvels of medical science."
— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) March 5, 2017
Best known for directing films like "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" and "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...", Karan is still single.
He says parenthood is "an emotional yet well thought out decision" he has taken after considering all the responsibilities and duties that come with being one.
"In order to arrive at this decision, I have prepared myself mentally, physically, emotionally and logistically to ensure that my children get all the unconditional love, care and attention from me and mine."
"I have submitted to the fact that my children are my world and priority."
In his book "An Unsuitable Boy", Karan not just opened up about his sexuality -- albeit in a veiled manner -- but also expressed a desire to adopt a child or opt for surrogacy.
The filmmaker, who keeps travelling around the world and is known for his knack of making romantic dramas, understands that having children would mean that "work, travels and social commitments would have to take a back seat".
Karan also extended gratefulness to the surrogate who fulfilled his "lifelong dream and provided a warm, loving and nurturing environment to my children before bringing them into this world".
"She will always remain in my prayers."
Karan also extended gratitude to IVF specialist Jatin Shah, who was also instrumental in the successful birth of superstar Shah Rukh Khan and his wife Gauri's son AbRam through surrogacy.
Actors Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra are thrilled with the new additions to the family of Karan, who launched their acting career in 2012 with his directorial "Student of the Year".
"Finally, I can say I have a younger brother and sister! So happy. So much love to give. Bursting with joy," Alia tweeted.
Sidharth also wrote: "So happy you took this decision Karan! It's a full house now. You will be an amazing father, love to your new big family."
Varun said: "Karan, you are the best human being I know and I'm sure you will make the best dad."
Congratulating the new father, actress Priyanka Chopra wrote: "So happy for you. May Yash and Roohi always have a beautiful healthy life. Much love always."
Farah, who is one of Karan’s closest friends, said she has already offered to be nanny to his kids. “When Karan and I went on Sajid’s show (Yaaron ki Baarat), I said that it’s high time Karan had kids either through adoption or surrogacy. So, I am very happy. It is a fantabulous news. I have told him that if he needs a nanny, I will be there,” said Farah.
Sushmita, who is a single mother to two kids, said, “I am very happy for Karan Johar. He said in an interview once that he has a nurturing quality. So, I am sure he will be a great parent.”
Kiran appeared clueless about the news when asked for her reaction. After being told about it, the filmmaker said, “I am delighted. What can I say? I didn’t know about it. Karan deserves every happiness in the world. It’s wonderful. I am very happy.” Kiran Rao and husband Aamir Khan’s son, Azad Rao Khan, was also born through surrogacy.
While National Award-winning filmmaker Hansal Mehta welcomed Karan to fatherhood, actor Tusshar Kapoor, who became a single parent to Laksshaya Kapoor via surrogacy in 2016, said Karan deserved "these little blessings".
Congrats @karanjohar đâ¤ď¸đ Sooooo happy for you & Hiroo Aunty. I'm sure Yash & Roohi will bring light & happiness to ur lives đlotza love â¤ď¸
— Preity zinta (@realpreityzinta) March 5, 2017
Actress Preity Zinta tweeted: "So happy for you and Hiroo aunty. I'm sure Yash and Roohi will bring light and happiness to your lives".
Director Sujoy Ghosh loved the names of the little ones and said: "As one tagline once said 'It's all about loving your parents'."
Filmmaker-host Sajid Khan also congratulated the Dharma Productions head honcho and tweeted: "Like you had said on my show 'Dharma needs an heir.' Now Dharma has...love their names."
Actress Sonakshi Sinha believes Karan will be the "best daddy and spoil them silly".
IT'S A PERSONAL MOMENT: SRK ON KJO'S FATHERHOOD
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has extended his best wishes to close friend Karan Johar, who has become a father of twins Yash and Roohi Johar through surrogacy.
The 51-year-old actor walked the ramp for designer Manish Malhotra at a charity fashion show for NGO Mijwan Welfare Society here on Sunday.
On the sidelines, Shah Rukh said: "I wish him health and happiness. I think this is a very personal moment, so don't think I am being cagey and not wanting to answer.
"It is very personal because I have had this moment. So let's respect (it) and leave (it at) that. We will have celebrations, love and happiness later."
Karan on Sunday announced he has become a father to daughter Roohi and son Yash. Shah Rukh too has a son, AbRam, via surrogacy.
The "Raees" actor shared his experience of walking the ramp at the event, organised by veteran actress Shabana Azmi.
"I would like to thank Shabanaji and Manish for giving me this opportunity. We are all old friends and I genuinely love to be a part of this initiative. It is a heartfelt and beautiful initiative," said Shah Rukh, who looked dapper in a chikankari black and white kurta.
SRK is currently working on Imtiaz Ali's movie, tentatively titled "The Ring" opposite Anushka Sharma. He plays a tour guide in the film, which supposedly has been inspired from Dev Anand's character in "Guide".
ABU AZMI ON KARAN JOHAR’S TWINS: HE COULD HAVE ADOPTED A POOR CHILD, IS HE ILL?
Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi on Monday took a dig at filmmaker Karan Johar for taking the surrogacy route to become a single father of twins.
The legislator from Shivajinagar-Mankhurd in Mumbai said the 44-year-old producer-director should have gotten married instead of opting for surrogacy to become a parent.
“Is he not finding a girl to get married? Is he ill... ? he should clarify. He could have adopted a poor child. This is a joke on poor people,” he told reporters outside the Vidhan Bhavan where the Budget session beganon Monday.
Meanwhile, the filmmaker found support from Women and Child Welfare Minister of Maharashtra Pankaja Munde, who said Johar had every right to be a parent.
“He has done no wrong,” she said.