Filmmaker Karan Johar recently sparked conversations online after he spoke warmly about Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat following his attendance at an RSS-linked event, where he praised Bhagwat’s personality and sense of humour. Johar revealed that the experience surprised him in several ways, particularly the tone of the interactions and the atmosphere of the gathering.

Speaking about the occasion, Johar shared that he found Bhagwat to be engaging and unexpectedly humorous, noting that the audience responded positively to his remarks. He said that those present at the event “laughed a lot and applauded him,” suggesting that the RSS chief’s speech struck a chord with attendees beyond political expectations. Johar’s comments quickly drew attention on social media, given the filmmaker’s public profile and the ideological debates often associated with the RSS.

The event formed part of broader outreach initiatives that have seen cultural and public figures interact with the organisation in recent years. While Johar did not frame his appearance in overtly political terms, his remarks highlighted his personal experience rather than ideological positioning. He described the interaction as an opportunity to listen and engage, emphasising that he appreciated Bhagwat’s wit and ability to connect with audiences.

Johar’s presence at the event reflects a broader trend in which individuals from the film industry occasionally attend gatherings hosted by political or socio-cultural organisations, sometimes triggering discussions about the relationship between entertainment personalities and political spaces. In Johar’s case, the comments gained traction partly because he has historically been associated with mainstream Bollywood’s liberal cultural circles, making his praise for the RSS leader a point of public curiosity.

Mohan Bhagwat, who has served as the Sarsanghchalak or chief of the RSS since 2009, remains one of the most influential figures in the organisation. Known for addressing social and cultural issues during public appearances, he often draws significant media attention for his speeches and outreach initiatives. Johar’s remarks focused less on ideological content and more on Bhagwat’s personal demeanour during the event, particularly highlighting the humour and audience engagement that characterised the interaction.

The filmmaker’s reflections also illustrate how celebrity appearances at such platforms can quickly become part of larger conversations about public perception and the evolving interface between entertainment and socio-political institutions. While Johar did not delve into policy or ideological commentary, his description of the experience suggested a nuanced encounter shaped by curiosity and observation.