The filmmaker Karan Johar and actress Yami Gautam’s names are trending together online but not for the usual reasons. After watching Haq, a film based on the real-life Saira Bano triple talaq case, the filmmaker shared a heartfelt note praising Yami Gautam’s performance. While many applauded his words, a section of netizens were not impressed and accused him of being “double dholaki,” a term used for someone seen as double-faced.
Released on November 7, 2025, Haq is inspired by true events and focuses on the legal fight against triple talaq. The film received attention for its sensitive subject and strong storytelling, but it was Yami Gautam’s performance that stood out among viewers. Now, even KJo couldn’t stop himself from praising her act too, known for his larger-than-life cinema, publicly expressed how deeply moved he was by the film.
Karan Johar sharing a Yami Gautam’s Haq poster on Instagram, he wrote, “I don’t think I have been this moved by a performance in many many years… to say that @yamigautam is Brilliant, outstanding , Pathbreaking is still not saying enough…. Her silences, her stares , her last monologue and her stance throughout the film is a master class of craft and conviction …. Salute and Salaam to her!” and he concluded the note by saying, “Yami…. Am a fan for life!”
Yami Gautam responded warmly, writing: “Karan, your words have left me emotional. Can only thank you with utmost love & gratitude from the bottom of my heart. Thank you so much.”
Despite the appreciation, many social media users felt the praise came too late, several recalled an old incident from 2017 during the promotions of Kaabil, starring Hrithik Roshan and Yami Gautam. At the time, while Hrithik was invited to Koffee With Karan but Yami was reportedly not.
And Hrithik who chose solidarity, he firmly declined to appear on the show without his co-star. The episode was never filmed and over the years, this incident became a topic of discussion in perceived industry bias. As discussions resurfaced, netizens pointed out the contrast between past actions and present admiration. Many questioned whether success played a role in the change of tone.
On Reddit, one anonymous user wrote, “There’s no bigger double Dholaki in the industry than Karan Johar.” Pointing at that his admiration often arrives after success, not before and even linked the timing of the praise to recent successes associated with Yami’s husband, filmmaker Aditya Dhar (Director of Dhurandhar).
However, others took a more balanced view. A few users noted that everything might be fine between them as Yami gracefully replied to Karan, “However, a post from him acknowledging her is enough to make her emotional. Don’t invest too much in creating victims and defending them, ultimately, they desperately want to become part of the very circle/ system they claim to be fighting.” While to replying this comment, another user added, “At the end of the day, it’s basic courtesy. What else is she supposed to write in a post or a text? Not everyone can afford to act like Kangana Ranaut. Most actors are just trying to survive.”
Some also pointed out that Karan Johar and Yami Gautam’s exchange today appears civil, suggesting that past dynamics may no longer matter.
ALSO READ: HAQ Movie Review: The Right Fight
source https://lehren.com/netizens-call-karan-johar-double-dholaki-after-he-calls-himself-a-yami-gautam-fan-redditors-react/
