Karan Johar teaming up with Prince William has caught social media users by surprise. The Bollywood filmmaker and television host has been announced as the presenter of The Earthshot Prize 2026 Awards Night, which is scheduled to take place in Mumbai on November 17.
The event will mark the first time that the prestigious global environmental awards ceremony is being held in India. A video featuring Prince William and Karan Johar announcing the event quickly attracted attention online, with many viewers surprised by the unexpected collaboration.
What Is The Earthshot Prize 2026?
Launched by Prince William in 2020, The Earthshot Prize is a global initiative focused on identifying and supporting innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
The prize is built around five key Earthshots: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World, and Fix Our Climate.
The 2026 awards ceremony in Mumbai will conclude a two-day international summit. During the event, five winners will be selected from 15 global finalists, with each winner receiving £1 million.
Why Is Karan Johar Hosting the Ceremony?
As The Earthshot Prize makes its debut in India, the organisers have selected Karan Johar to host the Mumbai ceremony. He will become the first Indian entertainer to present the annual global event.
Known for hosting popular television shows including Koffee with Karan and The Traitors India, Johar brings considerable experience as a presenter along with his profile in the entertainment industry.
Social Media Reacts to the Unexpected Collaboration
The announcement generated a wave of reactions across social media, with many users expressing surprise at seeing Karan Johar alongside Prince William.
One user commented that they had not expected Johar to be involved and said they were looking forward to seeing Prince William and Princess Catherine in Mumbai. Another described the announcement as “brilliant” and “inspiring.”
A different social media user joked that “Karan Johar with Prince William” was not on their 2026 bingo card, while expressing excitement about the upcoming Mumbai event.
The collaboration between Prince William and Karan Johar has therefore become one of the early talking points surrounding The Earthshot Prize 2026, bringing together a globally recognised environmental initiative and a prominent figure from India’s entertainment industry.