Stars kid I launch should go beyond their name: Karan

Mumbai: Filmmaker Karan Johar says whenever he is launching a star kid, his thought is to make then go beyond their name and make their own identity.

Karan is launching Sridevi's daughter Janhvi and actor Shahid Kapoor's half-brother, Ishaan, with Dhadak, an adaptation of Marathi blockbuster Sairat.

When asked, what is the most important bit he keeps in mind while launching new talent and especially star kids, Karan told reporters, "That they go beyond their name and make an identity of their own. That's our responsibility and even theirs."

Hinting at the nepotism debate that started with actor Kangana Ranaut calling him "the flag-bearer of nepotism", Johar said, "Nowadays, there is so much debate about name, but people forget that even behind a name there is passion and hard work. It's not easy to face the camera, to come in front of the media. They are kids. And we put a label to them."

"There is a word (nepotism), it has run for two years. I wouldn't even name it because I will be promoting the same concept. I will just say that people are here not because of that name but because of their hardwork."

Dhadak is directed by Shashank Khaitan, who previously helmed Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Badrinath Ki Dulhania.

Khaitan said when he saw Sairat, he kept watching the film on loop and was blown away. When it came to the adaptation though, he was "extremely

nervous."