Karan Johar-led Dharma Cornerstone Artist Agency (DCAA), now known as Collective Artist Network, has once again put the spotlight on the growing trend of actors frequently changing talent management agencies. Actors like Ranveer Singh and Parineeti Chopra have also moved on from long-standing associations, including YRF's talent division. The latest to move out from DCAA is Karan Johar's favourite, Janhvi Kapoor, whom he had given three films back-to-back, despite them not faring well at the box office.

Addressing the actress's move from the agency, filmmaker Karan Johar shared his take on why today's actors are more inclined to switch teams.

In a conversation with Hindustan Times, he said, "The way I look at it is that I believe that social media, technology, and the constant noise around us make us very restless, very anxious, nervous. So we are dealing with an anxiety-ridden generation who want the validation of stardom very fast, and I don't blame them because they are judged on a daily basis. When we started off in movies, none of us were the recipients of these kinds of judgments. The daily judgment that exists and surrounds this generation is exhausting and affects your mental health and state of mind. So I don't blame any of them for making the kind of decisions they make in their career that I may or may not endorse, but I get it, I see what they are going through."

Karan reassured fans that their management agency remains a vital part of their business and that "they are stronger than ever." He also mentioned, "Anyone who has left our agency, I will always wish them well and also work with them. Many times they have left our agency, and I still continue to work with them."

"I will cast them on the basis of who I think is right for the role, but yes, as a production house, I will prioritise our talent because I want to make sure they are part of the family in everything we do," he concluded.

Karan Johar was also candid about why celebrities like Janhvi Kapoor in Bollywood often change management teams and agencies. He said, "We are dealing with an anxiety-ridden generation who want the validation of stardom very fast, and I don't blame them because they are judged on a daily basis."

Netizens lauded Janhvi's decision as Karan-Janhvi's collab merely failed, and her films tanked at the box office miserably. Many even slammed Karan Johar and said that he never backs outsiders.

Janhvi Kapoor's last films produced by Karan Johar (Dharma Productions) include the 2025 release Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, Param Sundari. Homebound, these followed her debut Dhadak (2018) and Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020), which were also produced by Karan Johar.

Work front

Johar remains busy with various projects. Although not officially confirmed, Midday recently reported that Karan Johar's Dharma Productions is eager to work with Sidharth Malhotra again and believes the subject aligns well with his persona. The project is currently in the final stages of discussion. This potential reunion would mark another collaboration between Johar and Malhotra, who made his acting debut in Johar's film Student of the Year.