Prince William promises Karan Johar he’ll watch K3G

Karan Johar’s Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham might soon get a very royal viewer. Prince William has never watched a Karan Johar film, but that looks set to change after a BBC Asian Network conversation about the Earthshot Prize turned into a Bollywood recommendation.

A global prize, a filmi connection

The Prince of Wales met Karan Johar as part of the filmmaker’s work around the Earthshot Prize, the environmental initiative founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation. Speaking to BBC Asian Network, William described Karan as “an icon” and said he has been “so helpful” in giving the prize a stronger foothold in India.

“We want to make it a truly Indian Earthshot Prize. It’s the biggest one we’ve done,” William said. He also called the filmmaker “modest” and suggested that, as time goes on, Karan will introduce him to more of his films.

One specific film, not the whole filmography

Instead of offering a broad list, the journalist made the case for one title: Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, better known to fans as K3G. William admitted he had not seen any of Karan’s films yet, but he warmed to the idea quickly.

“Okay got it, I’ll mention that too when I see him,” he said after the journalist suggested telling Karan he is going to watch K3G.

• The film: Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Karan Johar’s 2001 family drama.
• The cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor Khan.
• The promise: William will tell Karan he is going to watch K3G the next time they meet.
• The platform: The Earthshot Prize Summit leads to the sixth awards night on November 17, 2026, with five winners receiving £1 million each.

Why the royal nod matters

The exchange is a small but telling reminder of how far K3G travels. Released in 2001 and led by Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor Khan, the film remains one of Karan Johar’s most loved directorial outings. A nod from the Prince of Wales gives it a fresh global moment, and connects Bollywood nostalgia to a serious environmental stage.

For Hindi film fans, K3G is a family-drama reference point that has long outlasted its release date. The idea of a royal viewing is less about prestige than about the film still being recommended, decades later, as the starting point for someone who has never seen Karan Johar’s work.

Earthshot’s next stop

Beyond the film chatter, the Earthshot Prize Summit will bring together people from business, environmental innovation, funding and community organisations. It leads into the sixth Earthshot Prize Awards Night on November 17, 2026, where 15 finalists will be recognised and five winners will receive £1 million each to grow their environmental solutions.

Source: India Today