Bollywood filmmaker and producer Karan Johar has quietly expanded his hospitality footprint with Oju, a new Japanese-inspired restaurant that opened on Golf Course Road in Gurugram in September 2025. The 120-seater ground-floor space is co-owned by Johar and Truepalate Hospitality and designed by Aayushi Malik Designs.
A calm, contemporary take on Japanese design
Oju occupies a 5,000-square-foot venue in what the city likes to call Gurgaon’s “Ginza.” The restaurant embraces the Japanese philosophy of Shibui — understated beauty and purposeful details. Natural stone flooring, warm wood cladding and generous natural light shape a serene atmosphere focused on balance and simplicity.
What to expect from the vibe and cuisine
While Oju presents a modern interpretation of classic Japanese aesthetics, the team has kept the look minimal and refined. The restaurant has been sharing glimpses of its interiors on Instagram, hinting at a calm dining experience that pairs well with Johar’s well-known love for Japanese food.
Johar’s fondness for Japanese cuisine is public: in 2021 he appeared on Discovery+’s Star Vs Food and learned to make katsu curry and sushi with Chef Lakhan Jethani at his favourite spot, Mizu Izakaya.
Johar’s growing restaurant journey
Oju is Johar’s second hospitality venture. His first, Neuma in Colaba’s iconic Garden Chalet bungalow, opened in May 2022 on the site once home to the landmark restaurant Indigo. Neuma is currently “temporarily closed for a thoughtful refresh” and is expected to reopen soon.
What else is on his slate
On the professional front, Karan Johar is preparing to host JioHotstar’s new business reality show, Pitch To Get Rich, keeping busy between filmmaking, restaurants and TV.
