Karan Johar is marking a major milestone.
Dharma Productions, which was founded by Karan’s father Yash Johar in 1976, celebrated its 46th anniversary on Friday, October 9, with the company’s official Instagram handle releasing a nostalgic video featuring glimpses from its iconic movies.
Notably, while the company was established in 1976, the Indian filmmaker counts Dharma Productions’ age from the release of its first film, Dostana, in 1980, marking 46 years of it.
Marking the special milestone, Johar wrote, “46 years of stories. 46 years of endless memories. 46 years of magnanimous tunes & dance hooks. 46 years of you & your Dharma films. Thank you for watching, looping & relishing! Thank you for being a part of our Dharma family.”
Dharma Productions’ iconic films
The production house has been behind some of Hindi cinema’s unforgettable movies, from iconic romances and emotional family drams to films that celebrate friendship, ambition and love.
As Dharma Productions celebrate five decades in the film industry in 2026, let’s revisit its iconic movies that helped shape its legacy.
Dostana (1980)
Dharma Productions kicked off its venture in the Hindi cinema with its debut movie Dostana in 1980, which stars Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrugan Sinha, and Zeenat Aman in lead roles.
Directed by Raj Khosla, the action drama film became the fourth highest-grosser of 1980, following Qurbani, Aasha, and Ram Balram.
According to IMDb, the movie centers on “Two best friends, Vijay and Ravi, fall in love with the same girl, Sheetal. Misunderstandings due to their respective careers and people with vested interests cause them to become rivals.”
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
Karan Johar made his directorial debut with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in 1998, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji.
The romantic drama features, “During their college years, Anjali was in love with her best-friend Rahul, but he had eyes only for Tina. Years later, Rahul and the now-deceased Tina's eight-year-old daughter attempts to reunite her father and Anjali.”
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, and Jaya Bachchan, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is a family drama film released in 2001.
“After marrying a poor woman, rich Rahul is disowned by his father and moves to London to build a new life. Years later, his now-grown younger brother Rohan embarks on a mission to bring Rahul back home and reunite the family,” reads the movie’s storyline.
Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
Debuted in 2003 and written by Karan Johar, Kal Ho Naa Ho is a romantic comedy drama film that revolves around the story of “Naina, an introverted, perpetually depressed girl's life changes when she meets Aman. But Aman has a secret of his own which changes their lives forever. Embroiled in all this is Rohit, Naina's best friend who conceals his love for her.”
Dostana (2008)
In 2008, Dharma Productions once again produced a movie titled Dostana, which stars Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, and Priyanka Chopra.
“Two straight guys pretend to be gay to secure a Miami apartment. When both of them fall for their roommate Neha, hilarity ensues as they strive to convince one and all that they're gay while secretly trying to win her heart,” states the plot.
Student of the Year (2012)
Directed by Karan Johar, Student of the Year is a romantic comedy-drama film, starring debutantes Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt, and Varun Dhawan.
The movie centers on “Several alumni reminisce about their final year at St. Theresa's College and the events that shaped their lives.”
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
With Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone in lead roles, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is a 2013 coming-of-age romantic comedy movie that centers on “Kabir and Naina bond during a trekking trip. Before Naina can express herself, Kabir leaves India to pursue his career. They meet again years later, but he still cherishes his dreams more than bonds.”
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023)
Starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is also one of the successful movies by Dharma Productions.
Released in 2023, it features “Flamboyant Punjabi Rocky and intellectual Bengali journalist Rani fall in love despite their differences. After facing family opposition, they decide to live with each other's families for three months before getting married.”
