Indian filmmaker Karan Johar opened up about his relationship with Alia Bhatt.

Alia made her Bollywood debut in Karan Johar’s Student of the Year in 2012. Since then the Darlings star bonded well with the director.

Their friendship did not sit in well with the public, who often criticized Karan for being too adoring towards Alia.

During his chat show, the maker revealed the connection he shares with Raha's mom and addressed all the hate.

"I think Alia and I just make each other cry. I see a lot of hate for the relationship both of us share online when I look. I don't know why people get so annoyed. I'm allowed to love somebody from my heart."

He added, "she's the first person I felt parental about. She's the first person I felt like I had a parental instinct for. I love her and the country knows she's one of our finest actors. I have a tremendous amount of love, respect and admiration and I'm allowed to say what I want about her.”

“So, if I cry at her good news and I really feel good then I'm allowed to. I'm like a parent to her. Why should I be pretending for optics? I genuinely love her and I want to say it all the time."

Even many times the Gangubai Kathiawadi star was quoted saying that Karan is like her godfather.

Alia entered the Kapoor family as bahu after marriage to Ranbir Kapoor and has seemingly adhered to their rules and norms.