Mumbai, Dec 18 (NationPress) The renowned filmmaker Karan Johar has shared his thoughts on managing the onslaught of online trolls directed at him and his family.

During his recent appearance at India’s International Movement to United Nations (I.I.M.U.N), where he was appointed to the Board of Advisors, Karan discussed the nature of criticism. He remarked to IANS, “It’s essential to discern whether the critique you receive stems from a place of genuine evaluation. When a critic expresses disappointment in your work, but you know they entered the theater hoping to enjoy it, you must acknowledge that their intentions were sincere.”

“If someone didn’t appreciate your film, you should value that feedback. Identify whether there’s something to gain from it, as long as the critique comes from a constructive standpoint—free from bias or malice. Thus, the foremost step is to evaluate the origin of the criticism. That’s my approach,” he clarified.

Karan elaborated further, “A staggering ninety-five percent of trolling originates from faceless individuals who have little to contribute. Often, they harbor their own unhappiness, sometimes stemming from unemployment, leading them to lash out in frustration and bitterness. How should you react? Should you feel insulted, ashamed, or should you extend pity? I opt for the latter. I feel pity for them.”

“I sympathize with anyone who trolls me for two primary reasons. Firstly, I feel sorry for them, as they might be grappling with their own life challenges, manifesting their negativity towards me. They target my mannerisms, speech, and even insult my family. Such bitterness only mirrors their own discontent. Therefore, pity is the only appropriate response. Secondly, I also feel a sense of significance. You can either be loved or hated, but indifference is far worse. Imagine being forgotten; that’s a fate I would never want to experience,” he added.

The acclaimed filmmaker concluded with, “There’s a popular saying, ‘kuch to log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna’, and I wholeheartedly resonate with that sentiment. However, I perceive it simply: when faced with absurd comments or insults, my only reaction is pity.”

“I often think to myself, poor individual. They must be incredibly unhappy to expend such energy on negativity. Their discontent may stem from various reasons, and I genuinely empathize with that. So, when unwarranted criticism comes your way, recognize its lack of validity, and instead, feel pity for the person while celebrating your relevance in the public discourse. That, for me, is the optimal way to progress.”