Mumbai, Mar 26 (IANS): Bollywood director-producer Karan Johar, who gave Alia Bhatt her big break with 'Student of the Year', is glad to watch his "little child" emerge as an actress of some calibre.

The head honcho of Dharma Production, who has produced some of Alia'a successful films like '2 States' and 'Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya' however expressed regret over 'Shaandar'.

"Two years down the line, Alia has an amazing repertoire of films. I however apologise for 'Shaandar'. Besides that, she has had some amazing films like '2 States', 'Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya' and 'Kapoor & Sons'; Alia is Dharma Production's proud girl and always the flagship girl of the company," Karan said at a press conference to celebrate 'Kapoor & Sons' success.

"When I launched Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra in their first film, I never thought I would see them come through this way on celluloid. I watched Alia in 'Highway'; I wept a little bit only because I couldn't believe my little child has emerged as an actor," Karan said.

Karan and Alia have strongly bonded over a period of time.

The Shakun Batra directorial 'Kapoor & Sons' is having a good run at the Box Office, and the entire team was present at a press conference to celebrate the film's success.

Along with Karan Johar and Alia Bhatt, the cast of Rishi Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra, Fawad Khan, Ratna Pathak Shah, Rajat Kapoor and Shakun Batra were present.