Karan Johar introduces his Twins Yash and Roohi to the world

Filmmaker Karan Johar has become a single father to twins, the superstar Bollywood director announced on Saturday.

The twins – a boy and a girl – were born last month to a surrogate mother at Mumbai’s Masrani Hospital, where actor Shah Rukh Khan’s surrogate baby Abram was also born.

“I am ecstatic to share with you all the two most wonderful additions to my life, my children and lifelines; Roohi and Yash.  I feel enormously blessed to be a parent to these pieces of my heart who were welcomed into this world with the help of the marvels of medical science”, Johar said in a statement.

“This was an emotional yet well thought out decision which I have taken after considering all the responsibilities and duties that come with being a parent.  In order to arrive at this decision, I have prepared myself mentally, physically, emotionally and logistically to ensure that my children get all the unconditional love, care and attention from me and mine.  I have submitted to the fact that my children are my world and priority”, he added.

Johar’s son was named after his father Yash Johar, who passed away in 2004.

Johar is one of Bollywood’s most successful and prolific filmmakers with mega hits such as ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” and “My Name is Khan”.  He has also taken up acting in recent times.  He also hosts a wildly popular talk show – ‘Koffee with Karan’.  However, the 44-year-old said that work would take a back seat henceforth.

“My work, travels and social commitments would have to take a back seat and I am prepared for that.  By the grace of God, I have the most caring and supportive mother who will be an integral part in the up-bringing of her grandchildren and of course, friends who are family.”

Johar is the latest Bollywood single parent to have children through a surrogate.  In July 2016, the actor Tusshar Kapoor announced the arrival of a baby boy through a surrogate.

Karan didn’t forget to thank the surrogate mother in his statement and said: “I am eternally grateful to the surrogate who has fulfilled my lifelong dream and provided a warm, loving and nurturing environment to my children before bringing them into this world.  She will always remain in my prayers.

“Finally, a big thank you to Dr. Jatin Shah for his guidance and support and for being like a family member through this wonderful and exciting journey.”