Karan Johar opens up on receiving flak on Alia Bhatt and his relationship, says 'I'm allowed to love...'

In 2012, Alia Bhatt made her Bollywood debut in Karan Johar's Student Of The Year, and ever since, the two have had a particular friendship. 10 years later, Alia and Karan are still very close, and the director has frequently expressed his emotions in season 7 of his popular chat show Koffee With Karan.

In recent weeks, internet users have questioned and ridiculed the director on social media. Now, Karan has finally spoken up about receiving flak over his relationship with Alia.

In an interview with RJ Siddharth Kanan, Karan stated, "She's the first person I felt parental about. She's the first person I felt like I had a parental instinct for. I love her and the country knows she's one of our finest actors. I have a tremendous amount of love, respect, and admiration and I'm allowed to say what I want about her. So, if I cry at her good news and I really feel good then I'm allowed to. I'm like a parent to her. Why should I be pretending for optics. I genuinely love her and I want to say it all the time."

The Ae Dil Hai Mushkil director continued by expressing his sincere love for Alia Bhatt and saying that he is free to do so in spite of the internet criticism he receives. He previously explained to Etimes how Alia informed Karan Johar of her pregnancy with Ranbir Kapoor. He had mentioned that when she arrived to see him, he was wearing a cap and sat in the Dharma chair. He admitted that he started weeping as soon as she announced her pregnancy.

On the work front, Karan will be judging the upcoming dance reality show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa with Madhuri Dixit and Nora Fatehi. He recently wrapped up his next direction Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani with Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt.