Filmmaker Karan Johar recently met Prince William in London ahead of the sixth annual Earthshot Prize Awards Night, which will be held in Mumbai on November 17.
During their conversation, Karan and Prince William discussed this year's Earthshot Prize finalists, environmental challenges and the need for sustainable solutions. Prince William also spoke about inadequate rainfall in India and its impact on farmers and water supplies.
The conversation was shared in a video by the official YouTube channel of The Earthshot Prize. Karan and Prince William also spoke about Mumbai hosting the prestigious awards ceremony for the first time.
Prince William discusses India's rain crisis
During the conversation, Prince William highlighted the lack of adequate rainfall in India and its impact on farmers and water resources.
He said that India had gone almost three to four months without proper rainfall, adding that farmers were struggling and water supplies were under stress. He also noted that the situation was making people more aware of the importance of water.
Now we have an official date?
— Canellecitadelle (@Canellelabelle) September 18, 2026
November 17 is the date of the Next Earthshot Prize in India and today, the Prince of Wales announced the 15 finalists and was joined in London, by Indian filmmaker and broadcaster Karan Johar, who will host the 2026 Earthshot prize event in Mumbai.… pic.twitter.com/CGBrf7nNUZ
Karan agreed with Prince William and noted that the issue was increasingly becoming a subject of discussion.
Karan Johar announces Mumbai as Earthshot Prize host
Karan announced that Mumbai will host the sixth annual Earthshot Prize ceremony on November 17. He said that 15 finalists will compete, with five winners eventually being selected.
Each winner will receive £1 million to support the cause they are working on. Prince William recalled his previous visits to Mumbai and expressed his excitement about bringing the awards ceremony to India.
He also highlighted India's strong representation among Earthshot Prize finalists and winners, saying he was excited to see what would come from hosting the event in the country.
Karan Johar praises Earthshot Prize
Karan said he was proud of India's representation among the finalists and highlighted the business potential of several environmental innovations.
He also praised Prince William for bringing people from around the world together through the Earthshot Prize and for supporting solutions aimed at tackling environmental challenges.
The sixth annual Earthshot Prize Awards Night will take place in Mumbai on November 17. Karan Johar has been announced as the first Indian to host the ceremony.
The Earthshot Prize, founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation in 2020, aims to identify and support innovative solutions to some of the world's biggest environmental challenges. The 2026 ceremony will feature 15 finalists, with five winners each receiving £1 million to help scale their solutions.
