KJo, Prince William discuss India's rainfall woes ahead of Mumbai Earthshot Prize

Filmmaker Karan Johar is set to host the sixth annual Earthshot Prize Awards Night, which will take place in Mumbai on November 17. Ahead of the ceremony, Karan met Prince William in London, where the two discussed this year’s finalists, environmental challenges, and India’s rainfall woes, including their impact on farmers and water supplies.

The official YouTube channel of The Earthshot Prize shared the conversation in a video. During their meeting at a building overlooking Big Ben, Karan and Prince William discussed India’s environmental challenges.advertisement❮❯ Read Full StoryPrince William talks about rainfall, farmers in IndiaThe conversation centred around India’s weather conditions and the impact of inadequate rainfall. Prince William spoke about how prolonged periods without proper rain were affecting farmers and putting pressure on water supplies.

“Almost three to four months without any proper rain. The farmers are struggling. Our water supplies are under stress. I think it’s making people more aware that water is a precious resource. So you had mid 40s, early 50s at some point in the year in some parts of India,” he said.

Karan agreed with Prince William and observed that water-related concerns were increasingly becoming a subject of public discussion.Karan Johar to host Earthshot Prize in Mumbai

Karan announced that Mumbai will host this year’s Earthshot Prize ceremony on November 17. He revealed that 15 finalists are competing across the awards, with five winners set to be chosen on the night. Each winner will receive £1 million to support the cause they are working towards.

“You know, Mumbai, India is going to host the Earthshot Prize. We have 15 finalists and then eventually five winners on the special night on the 17th of November. Five of them will win a million pounds each for the cause that they have dedicated their lives to. And that’s the trophy,” Karan said while pointing towards the Earthshot trophy.

Prince William, who has previously visited Mumbai, recalled the city’s energy and expressed his excitement about bringing the awards ceremony to India. He also highlighted India’s strong presence among the Earthshot finalists and winners.

“It's amazing. It’s been around the world a fair bit already. It was making the point that we've all got a part to play in how we look after the planet. I remember very clearly the energy and vibrancy of Mumbai. And most importantly, for the Earthshot is that we've had more finalists and more winners from India than any other country. I'm really excited to see what comes out of actually being in India and hosting the awards this year there,” he said.Karan Johar on India’s Earthshot finalists

Karan said India’s strong representation among the finalists made him proud. He also pointed to the business potential of several environmental innovations being recognised by the Earthshot Prize.

“The fact that there’s so much Indian representation makes my heart full. But with some of them, there’s also a deep business possibility because I think it combines philanthropy with business incentives so beautifully with the Earthshot Prize,” he said.

Prince William agreed, stressing that many of the solutions being recognised are backed by viable businesses.

“Absolutely. These are proper businesses that are going to make investors money,” he said.

The pair also discussed some of this year’s finalists, including Satellites on Fire and Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, and touched upon issues such as wildfires, electric mobility and sustainable innovation.

Karan also praised Prince William for using the Earthshot Prize to bring people from different parts of the world together around environmental challenges. He highlighted the passion behind the initiative and the people working on solutions to global problems.

“I think what’s very special about the Earthshot Prize is how it’s bringing the world together to fight one common cause. And for that, I have to really, truly congratulate you for supporting and backing this and giving it your heart because I can tell whenever you speak about it, you can manufacture many things, but you can’t manufacture passion,” Karan said.

Prince William attributed that passion to the finalists and winners whose work is recognised by the prize.

The 2026 programme will go beyond the awards ceremony, with the Earthshot Prize Summit scheduled to take place over two days. The summit will bring together global leaders, innovators, funders, businesses and communities to foster collaboration and support environmental solutions.

The previous Earthshot Prize ceremony was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 5, 2025.- EndsPublished By: Prachi aryaPublished On: Sep 19, 2026 09:12 ISTALSO READ | Not a beat is scripted: Karan Johar reveals The Traitors' secret selection process