Karan Johar has had enough of people policing celebrity relationships. The filmmaker, who is currently hosting the ninth and final season of his popular chat show Koffee With Karan, has spoken about the online
backlash faced by couples such as Ranveer Singh-Deepika Padukone and Vijay Deverakonda-Rashmika Mandanna after their appearances on KWK. He feels that while everyone is entitled to an opinion, telling couples how they should behave in their relationships is crossing a line.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Karan called the criticism directed at Ranveer and Deepika ‘downright regressive’. He also came out in support of Vijay and Rashmika, questioning why viewers feel the need to interfere in a couple’s personal decisions.
Karan Johar Calls Ranveer-Deepika Backlash ‘Downright Regressive’
Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone appeared together on the opening episode of Koffee With Karan Season 8. While the episode gave viewers a glimpse into their relationship, some of their revelations about dating other people before committing to each other soon became a talking point online.
The couple faced considerable scrutiny, with several social media users questioning their relationship. Reacting to the backlash, Karan said, “They are beautifully in love. Such good actors in love with each other.”
He further pointed out that the couple had simply been honest about their lives and questioned why they were being judged for it. “They were just being honest about their lives. Since when should honesty be judged? You should be appreciative of someone’s honesty,” he said.
‘Are You A Counsellor?’: Karan Johar On Comments About Vijay-Rashmika Relationship
Karan also addressed the online discussions surrounding Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna after their joint appearance on Koffee With Karan Season 9.
Also Read: Rashmika Mandanna Slams Trolls Targeting Vijay Deverakonda, Says ‘That’s Not Feminism, That’s Bullying’
Their conversation sparked reactions online, with viewers closely analysing their comments about their relationship. Some also began offering unsolicited advice.
Karan made it clear that he had no problem with people having opinions about celebrities. However, he drew a line when those opinions turned into instructions about how couples should conduct their relationships.
“Everyone’s entitled to an opinion. But when you start telling them what to do in that relationship, I have a very big problem,” he said.
He went on to question why viewers felt entitled to advise the couple. “Who are you? Are you a counsellor? Are you a lawyer? Are you a member of their family?”
The filmmaker also objected to the comments directed at the families of Vijay and Rashmika following the episode. According to him, viewers can discuss celebrities and their choices, but dragging their families into online debates is unnecessary.
“You are commenting on their families. You can have an opinion on any celebrity. Don’t demean their families. Their families weren’t on that couch,” he said.
Karan also pointed out that the intense scrutiny was not limited to these two couples. Even individual guests, including him, have faced similar online analysis over the years.
‘You’re Doing Your Job And I’m Doing Mine’
Karan acknowledged that almost every statement made by a celebrity on the show is now picked apart on social media. He also recognised that content creators and entertainment pages often build their audiences by discussing celebrity appearances and controversies.
“At every given point of time, every line said is micro-analysed,” he said. He added that he understood how online content worked, especially when clickbait and rage-bait headlines attracted views and generated revenue.
“You’re doing your job and I’m doing mine. They’re doing their job because the internet is now very monetisable,” he said, adding that people were free to express their opinions in a democratic country.
Karan Johar On Drawing A Line Between Criticism And Unsolicited Advice
Karan Johar also compared relationship commentary to film criticism. He said he had no issue with critics calling his films bad, but disagreed with those who went a step further and told audiences not to watch them. He believes the same thing should apply when people discuss celebrity relationships. Viewers can analyse what they see on screen, but they should not decide how someone else’s relationship should work.
“Don’t tell a couple what they should do. You can analyse what you think of them, but you can’t give them their endgame,” he said.
Karan ended by reiterating that both couples were happy in their relationships. “Vijay and Rashmika are an exceptionally happy couple, Ranveer and Deepika are an exceptionally happy couple,” he said.
