New Delhi: Filmmaker and talk show hostKaran Joharhas opened up about one of the biggest controversies in the history of Koffee With Karan. In a recent
interview with Hollywood Reporter India, Karan recalled the 2019 episode featuring cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul and admitted that the backlash left him deeply affected.
He said the incident was so difficult that he even questioned whether hosting the show was worth the trouble. Karan also joked that cricketers
now run away from him whenever they meet at social gatherings because of what happened on his show.Karan Johar recalls Hardik Pandya-KL Rahul’s controversial episode
Recalling the controversy, Karan described the entire experience as “terrifying”.
“What happened with Hardik and Rahul was terrifying for me. I’m not an avid cricket watcher. I’m one of those who follows film passionately, but never watches cricket. But I started watching every match Hardik and Rahul were playing because I was rooting so hard that I hoped the boys were okay. I feel personally responsible every time it happens,” Karan said.
He further added, “They were on my show, and they landed in a mess to the extent that every time I go to a party, the cricketers run away from me because of what I’ve done on that show. I say that in jest. Everyone’s rather kind, actually. They’re great boys, and have done so well even after. But I can’t tell you; I was traumatised. I really went on and on, feeling if it’s even worth it. Should I be doing this at all? I questioned myself so deeply during that period.”
What happened during Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul’s Koffee With Karan episode?
Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul appeared together on the sixth season of Koffee With Karan in January 2019. During the conversation, Hardik made several comments about his relationships and personal life, while Rahul also spoke about his dating experiences and casual hookups. Some of their remarks, particularly Hardik’s comments, received heavy criticism from viewers, who called them inappropriate and disrespectful towards women.
The controversy soon became bigger than a television show discussion. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) suspended both players pending an inquiry into their comments. The cricketers later apologised, and their suspensions were revoked. The episode was also removed from the streaming platform.
Why is Karan Johar ending Koffee With Karan?
Karan’s latest comments come shortly after he announced that the ninth season of Koffee With Karan would be the show’s last. The filmmaker has hosted the celebrity chat show for more than two decades. It first premiered in 2004 and went on to become one of the most talked-about celebrity interview shows in India.
In his recent interview, Karan explained that getting celebrities to speak freely has become increasingly difficult. He said stars are now more careful about what they share because every comment can lead to online criticism. He also wants to devote more time to filmmaking and directing. After nine seasons, the filmmaker appears ready to move on from the show and focus on his work behind the camera.
Written by Uditi Sharma!
