Karan Johar marks 3 years of 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' with BTS photos
Synopsis
Three years after his long-awaited directorial comeback, Karan Johar is getting nostalgic — and hinting at what comes next. His BTS photo dump from 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' includes rare moments with the late Dharmendra, and his caption — 'I can't wait to be back on set, for my own heart' — reads less like a anniversary post and more like a directorial return announcement in the making.
Key Takeaways
Karan Johar marked the 3rd anniversary of 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' on Tuesday with a BTS photo dump on Instagram.
The pictures include candid moments with the late actor Dharmendra , who featured in the film.
The film was Johar's directorial comeback after a 7-year gap since 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' .
The ensemble cast included Alia Bhatt , Ranveer Singh , Jaya Bachchan , and Shabana Azmi .
Johar is set to host 'The Traitors' Season 2 , premiering 13 August on Prime Video , featuring 21 celebrity players .
Filmmaker Karan Johar on Tuesday marked the third anniversary of his directorial comeback 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' by sharing a rare behind-the-scenes photo dump on Instagram, expressing his eagerness to return to the director's chair. The post offered fans an intimate look at the creative energy that defined one of Bollywood's most celebrated ensemble productions.
What the BTS Pictures Reveal
The photographs show Karan Johar deeply immersed in his craft — directing actors, collaborating with department heads, and sharing candid moments on set. Among the most poignant images are those featuring the late actor Dharmendra, with whom Johar is seen discussing scenes, offering a touching tribute to the veteran star's contribution to the film.
In his caption, Johar wrote: 'Photo Dump of one of the most joyous experiences I have had on set! #3yearsofRRKPK. I can't wait to be back on set, for my own heart.'
The Significance of the Film
'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' marked Johar's return to direction after a 7-year gap, his previous directorial outing being 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'. The film featured a stellar ensemble cast including Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Alia Bhatt, and Ranveer Singh. Shot extensively in New Delhi, the production embraced a retro aesthetic — a detail that had surfaced through on-location photographs that circulated online during the shoot.
The film released in cinemas shortly after the much-discussed Hollywood double-bill of 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer', navigating a competitive box-office window with considerable audience goodwill.
What Karan Johar Is Working on Next
On the professional front, Karan Johar is set to return as host for Season 2 of the reality series 'The Traitors', premiering on 13 August on Prime Video. Produced by Dharmatic Entertainment in collaboration with independent distributor All3Media International, the show is a local adaptation of IDTV's BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning global format. 21 celebrity players will compete for the grand prize and the coveted title in the new season.
As Johar reflects on three years of RRKPK, his note signals that a directorial return may be closer than fans expect.
Point of View
For my own heart' is a rare admission of creative longing from a filmmaker who has spent recent years producing, hosting, and platform-building rather than directing. RRKPK was his proof-of-concept that he could still command a large-canvas ensemble film — and it worked. The inclusion of Dharmendra's images also carries weight: it is a quiet tribute from a director who clearly formed a bond with the veteran actor. If this post is the runway, a new directorial project may be closer than Dharma Productions' official slate suggests.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Karan Johar celebrating 3 years of 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani'?
Karan Johar is marking the third anniversary of 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,' which released in cinemas three years ago. He shared a behind-the-scenes photo series on Instagram along with a heartfelt note expressing his desire to return to direction.
What did Karan Johar write in his anniversary post?
Johar captioned his BTS photo dump: 'Photo Dump of one of the most joyous experiences I have had on set! #3yearsofRRKPK. I can't wait to be back on set, for my own heart.' The post included candid images from the film's production.
Who were the cast members of 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani'?
The film featured an ensemble cast of Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, and Shabana Azmi. It was shot extensively in New Delhi and adopted a retro visual style.
What is Karan Johar working on next?
Karan Johar is set to host Season 2 of the reality series 'The Traitors,' premiering on 13 August on Prime Video. The season features 21 celebrity players and is produced by Dharmatic Entertainment in association with All3Media International.
How long was Karan Johar's directorial gap before 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani'?
Karan Johar returned to direction after a 7-year gap — his previous film as director was 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.' 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' marked his much-anticipated comeback behind the camera.
