5 times when Karan Johar became a part of major B-town controversies; Have a look

Over the years, the filmmaker was embroiled in many controversies. His popular show, Koffee with Karan has been grabbing the attention of viewers because of the Bollywood actors’ controversial opinions and their spiled secrets on the show.

Karan Johar, despite being the favorite child of controversy, has never shied away from stating his mind. Karan has been accused of doing various shady things throughout the years, everything from pairing actors with each other and spreading false rumors to paying for favorable reviews of his films. Here are some of the controversies surrounding the filmmaker.

When Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul appeared on Karan Johar’s show

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The 6th episode of Koffee with Karan season 12, to which KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya were invited, was marred with misogynistic comments and received heavy criticism. The two cricketers were sent home in the middle of an ODI series in Australia after the episode aired, a punishment deemed “justified” by their teammates. Karan felt accountable for the consequences, and while the audience continued to criticize Hardik and Rahul for their insensitivity, many in the audience believed Karan was also to blame.

Hardik Pandya, an all-rounder, apologized for his disrespectful remarks, but the BCCI temporarily suspended him and Rahul. Karan claimed that merely thinking about the incident had given him sleepless nights. He said, “I would still love to have them [cricketers] and welcome them with open arms to my show but I don’t think they’ll come.”

Kangana Ranaut’s remark that he is a “flagbearer of nepotism”

Kangana Ranaut appeared on the Koffee couch with Saif Ali Khan, accusing KJo of mocking her for her performances and poor English. She also referred to him as “the industry’s flagbearer of nepotism.” Even though KJo tried to resolve the problem, the two disputed and sparred for months after that.  Karan primarily promotes celebrity kids and doesn’t offer outsiders many chances, according to Kangana’s team. Team Karan (who primarily consisted of film industry people) believed that celebrity kids will eventually get what they deserved.

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’s twofold problem

To begin with, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil was released in the aftermath of the Uri attack, which caused the deaths of 19 Indian soldiers. The All Indian Cine Workers Association barred Pakistani artists from working in the Indian film industry after the incident. Because Fawad Khan played a key role in the film, the association demanded that Karan reshoot his scenes or the movie would be banned. Karan refused to do so and instead paid a fine.

At the same time, the release dates of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Shivaay clashed, so Ajay Devgn published a tape of a discussion between Kamaal R Khan and Karan on Twitter, in which the filmmaker asked KRK to give a favorable review of the film in exchange for some remuneration. But the worst part was that it cost him his friendship with Kajol, who responded to Ajay’s post with a single word: “shocked.” They reconciled later.

When he almost ruined Anushka Sharma’s career

KJo is famed for introducing young talent to the industry, but it appears that he was hard on Anushka Sharma when she made her debut. Karan said that he questioned Aditya Chopra’s decision to cast Anushka in Band Baja Baraat in an interview with an entertainment portal. He said, “I went back on my word. My word was that she should never be picked. I told him (Aditya Chopra) not to cast her. He showed me her photographs and other stuff, and I was like ‘Are you mad? What are you thinking?’”

Anushka while promoting Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, said, “I am happy I am doing the film. He was going to make me go out of the industry itself.” We’re so glad Aditya Chopra did not listen to Karan!

Kamaal R Khan and Bombay Velvet controversy

Karan was dragged into the debate by Kamaal R Khan, alias KRK. KRK said that he was intimidated by Anurag Kashyap and Karan, who made his acting debut with the film, upon its release. KJo allegedly offered him Rs 25 lakh in exchange for a four-star review of the film. A reporter asked Karan about KRK’s remark at the trailer launch. He inquired as to whether she believed KRK’s claims. When she said no, Karan responded, “I rest my case.”