Karan Johar, the acclaimed Indian filmmaker and producer, has been officially announced as the host for the prestigious Earthshot Prize awards ceremony, scheduled to take place in Mumbai this November.
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The announcement, made public on September 18, highlighted Johar’s enthusiasm and deep appreciation for the environmental initiatives promoted by the Earthshot Prize, which was established by Prince William in 2020. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Johar expressed his admiration for the Prince’s unwavering dedication to addressing climate change, describing it as “infectious.”
Johar’s involvement in the Earthshot Prize has been framed as both a privilege and a significant opportunity to raise awareness on pressing environmental issues. He noted that Prince William’s commitment to the cause sets a powerful example in today’s world, where many merely pay lip service to the challenges of climate change. “Few people truly act on it, and he is that man who is acting on it every day of his life,” Johar remarked, reinforcing the importance of the Prince’s role in advocating for change.
This year’s Earthshot Prize ceremony marks a special occasion, reflecting a long-standing relationship between the British royal family and India, as Prince William previously visited the country with his wife, Kate Middleton, nearly a decade ago. The upcoming award ceremony is not only significant for its location but also for its goal of recognising innovation and dedication to environmental sustainability.
The Earthshot Prize awards ten promising finalists each year, ultimately selecting five winners who will be awarded a substantial financial grant of £1 million (around $1.33 million) to support their impactful projects. Johar emphasized the importance of these awards in fostering new ideas and solutions to environmental challenges.
During his conversation with PEOPLE, Johar noted the articulate and passionate nature of Prince William’s advocacy for the Earthshot Prize. “We need many more Prince Williams in the world,” he stated, highlighting the need for influential figures to champion climate issues. Johar praised William’s engagement in meaningful discussions on climate change, which he believes is essential for driving progress.
Johar’s own journey in film, notably as the director of the beloved movie *Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,* underscores his ability to engage diverse audiences. In a recent encounter while filming in London, he and the Prince shared a light-hearted moment discussing contemporary culture, including a conversation about British rapper Central Cee. Johar hilariously recounted his son’s belief that he could arrange a meeting with the rapper because he was meeting royalty.
As the host of the Earthshot ceremony, Johar has kept details about the event close to his chest but hinted at an emotionally charged evening that will be remembered by attendees. “It will be a spectacular night,” he assured, promising an impressive gathering of talent and meaningful presentations.
Among this year’s finalists are pioneering initiatives such as Yellowstone to Yukon, which aims to reconnect vital ecosystems across North America, and Satellites on Fire, an innovative Argentinian platform that employs artificial intelligence to detect and track wildfires across multiple countries. These ambitious projects exemplify the transformative ideas being recognised by the Earthshot Prize.
Closing his remarks, Prince William expressed his optimism regarding the finalists, stating that their achievements provide renewed hope and highlight the potential for significant progress in addressing environmental challenges. “These extraordinary people are already proving that progress is possible,” he said, reinforcing the international nature of the Earthshot Prize community.
With just weeks to go until the ceremony, anticipation is building for an evening that promises to be not only a celebration of innovative solutions but also a call to action for global environmental stewardship. As the eyes of the world turn towards Mumbai, the Earthshot Prize aims to inspire change and galvanise support for the planet’s future.