By Karan Johar had one of the most memorable encounters of his career this week when he met Hollywood legends Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway in Tokyo. The meeting took place during the international promotional tour for The Devil Wears Prada 2, the highly anticipated sequel arriving in cinemas on May 1, 2026.
The Bollywood filmmaker shared photographs from the event on Instagram, accompanied by a deeply personal caption that quickly went viral across social media platforms in India and beyond.
Karan Johar described the encounter as a dream come true, joking on Instagram that the photograph with Streep and Hathaway would be featured in his will.
The filmmaker described himself as overwhelmed standing next to the woman who brought Miranda Priestly to life in 2006. His Instagram post was structured as a personal confession rather than a typical celebrity caption, which resonated strongly with followers.
Johar referred to Streep as his “guru” in the art of acting and screen portrayal, revealing the depth of his admiration for the three-time Oscar winner.
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The filmmaker revealed that he has watched the original Devil Wears Prada no fewer than 47 times. He noted that he has quoted the film at dinner tables, in editing suites, and even during board meetings.
When describing the moment of standing next to Streep and Hathaway, Johar admitted that his knees were shaking and that he struggled to remain composed.
He also described both actresses as warm and welcoming despite his obvious nervousness. The candid nature of the post set it apart from the polished celebrity interactions typically seen on social media.
Why Karan Johar and Fashion Cinema Are Inseparable
Karan Johar is not just a filmmaker — he is one of Indian cinema’s most recognizable style figures. Known widely as KJo, he wears multiple hats as a director, producer, writer, talk show host, and fashion designer, heading Dharma Productions.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Johar discussed how his personal aesthetics have shaped Indian fashion since Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in 1998, with the publication noting that he might be India’s own Miranda Priestly.
His filmography includes some of Bollywood’s most visually distinctive productions. Films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, and My Name Is Khan are remembered as much for their costume design and visual presentation as for their stories.
Johar also worked as a costume designer for Shah Rukh Khan on several films, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Dil To Pagal Hai, and Veer-Zaara. This background makes his connection to The Devil Wears Prada franchise particularly fitting.
What Is The Devil Wears Prada 2 About?
The sequel follows Andy Sachs returning to Runway magazine as Miranda Priestly navigates the challenges of a rapidly shifting media landscape. The story also reconnects the characters with Emily, a former assistant who now leads a luxury brand with funding that could determine Runway’s survival.
The final trailer depicts Miranda Priestly grappling with waning influence in print fashion journalism as she faces off against a powerful luxury conglomerate.
In the trailer, Andy walks alongside Simone Ashley’s new character, who appears to serve as Miranda’s latest assistant at Runway. Andy now holds a senior editorial position at the magazine.
The original 2006 film was based on Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel. It followed Andy Sachs, a journalism graduate who takes a demanding job as junior assistant to the formidable Miranda Priestly at a high-fashion magazine. The sequel picks up nearly two decades later.
Full Cast and Crew Returning for the Sequel
The Devil Wears Prada 2 reunites the original main cast with director David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh McKenna. It also introduces new cast members, including Kenneth Branagh, Simone Ashley, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Patrick Brammall, Caleb Hearon, Helen J. Shen, Pauline Chalamet, B.J. Novak, and Conrad Ricamora.
Meryl Streep returns as Miranda, Anne Hathaway reprises her role as Andy, Emily Blunt is back as Emily, and Stanley Tucci will again portray Nigel. Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman also return as Lily and Irv from the first film, linking the story to its earlier chapter.
Kenneth Branagh plays Miranda’s husband in the sequel, while Adrian Grenier, who played Andy’s boyfriend Nate in the original, does not appear.
The film is produced by Wendy Finerman, with executive producers Michael Bederman, Karen Rosenfelt, and Aline Brosh McKenna. It carries a PG-13 rating and runs approximately two hours.
Lady Gaga’s Original Song for the Film
The final trailer features an original song called “Runway,” performed by Lady Gaga and Doechii. Gaga will also appear in the film itself.
The track sets the tone for the sequel’s themes of transformation, rivalry, and reinvention within the fashion industry. Its inclusion signals that the franchise is aiming for cultural impact beyond the screen, much like the original did with its wardrobe-driven storytelling.
The Bollywood-Hollywood Crossover Fans Loved
The Tokyo meeting between Johar and the two Hollywood stars created a rare crossover moment between Bollywood and Hollywood, connecting cinematic and fashion legacies from two different industries.
Fans from both Bollywood and Hollywood communities responded enthusiastically on social media, cheering for the unexpected cultural bridge.
Karan Johar’s reputation as both a filmmaker and a fashion commentator gave the moment additional weight. He is not a casual celebrity fan — his entire career has been built on the intersection of cinema and style that The Devil Wears Prada franchise represents.
The filmmaker also teased that he had conducted a conversation with Streep and Hathaway, hinting at exclusive content to come ahead of the film’s May release.
What This Means for The Devil Wears Prada 2 Promotion
Karan Johar’s involvement in the Tokyo promotional event suggests that 20th Century Studios is taking Indian audience engagement seriously for this sequel. India represents a growing theatrical market for Hollywood releases, and Johar’s social media reach — combined with his credibility in fashion circles — makes him a valuable promotional partner.
20th Century Studios has scheduled the theatrical release of The Devil Wears Prada 2 for May 1, 2026, positioning it as a major global box office event.
The original film earned $326 million worldwide, according to Variety, making it both a critical and commercial success.
With the full original cast returning, a Lady Gaga soundtrack, and now a Bollywood-Hollywood crossover moment generating buzz, the sequel appears positioned for a strong opening. Karan Johar’s viral Tokyo moment may be remembered as one of the film’s most effective promotional beats.
Stay tuned for more updates on The Devil Wears Prada 2 as the May 1 release date approaches. Follow our entertainment section for the latest celebrity news, film reviews, and box office reports.
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