<p>Film-maker Karan Johar has a loyal fan following that eagerly awaits Bollywood movies that bear his stamp -- elaborate music, costumes and style.</p>.<p>But Johar says if it weren't for his family connections in the film business, he might have given up on his Bollywood dreams.</p>.<p>The director of hits such as "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" and "My Name Is Khan" was speaking at a panel discussion on Tuesday, part of the FICCI Frames industry conference.</p>.<p>Johar, 40, shared his experiences with film-makers Gauri Shinde, Sujoy Gupta, Kabir Khan and actor Amit Sadh -- all "outsiders" who have found success in a movie industry often dubbed insular and nepotistic.</p>.<p>"I am the brand ambassador of nepotism," Johar said to much laughter in the audience. "I see what people go through to get into the industry and I know I could have never done that."</p>.<p>"That is why I am launching as many new directors at Dharma Productions. I want to give back to the industry," he said.</p>.<p>Johar's father, Yash Johar was a noted producer, known for films such as "Agneepath" and "Dostana".</p>.<p>Most panellists said it was difficult for newcomers to get noticed in Bollywood.</p>.<p>"No one is going to give it to you on a plate," said Sujoy Ghosh, director of the unexpected 2012 hit "Kahaani".</p>.<p>"You have to go through all the trouble and you have to struggle if you want to make it. There is no other way," he said.</p>
<p>Film-maker Karan Johar has a loyal fan following that eagerly awaits Bollywood movies that bear his stamp -- elaborate music, costumes and style.</p>.<p>But Johar says if it weren't for his family connections in the film business, he might have given up on his Bollywood dreams.</p>.<p>The director of hits such as "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" and "My Name Is Khan" was speaking at a panel discussion on Tuesday, part of the FICCI Frames industry conference.</p>.<p>Johar, 40, shared his experiences with film-makers Gauri Shinde, Sujoy Gupta, Kabir Khan and actor Amit Sadh -- all "outsiders" who have found success in a movie industry often dubbed insular and nepotistic.</p>.<p>"I am the brand ambassador of nepotism," Johar said to much laughter in the audience. "I see what people go through to get into the industry and I know I could have never done that."</p>.<p>"That is why I am launching as many new directors at Dharma Productions. I want to give back to the industry," he said.</p>.<p>Johar's father, Yash Johar was a noted producer, known for films such as "Agneepath" and "Dostana".</p>.<p>Most panellists said it was difficult for newcomers to get noticed in Bollywood.</p>.<p>"No one is going to give it to you on a plate," said Sujoy Ghosh, director of the unexpected 2012 hit "Kahaani".</p>.<p>"You have to go through all the trouble and you have to struggle if you want to make it. There is no other way," he said.</p>