Karan Johar reacts to his Koffee with Karan episode with KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya; says ‘I was scared and worried that no damage should happen to their careers'
Filmmaker and talk show host
Karan Johar
recently opened up on the infamous
Koffee with Karan controversy
involving cricketers
KL Rahul
and
Hardik Pandya
. In a candid chat on Raj Shamani's podcast, Karan addressed the backlash that followed the episode and how it deeply affected him on a personal level.
'When you are the host, the people you call are your guests,' Karan said, reflecting on the controversial episode. 'If they have said things, they've said it in the moment. What I felt terrible about was what happened to Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul — it completely threw me off.'
The episode, which aired in 2019, led to a massive public outcry due to sexist remarks made by the players, resulting in temporary suspensions from the BCCI.
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Recalling his anxiety at the time, Karan admitted, 'I was really scared and worried that no damage should happen to their careers. By God's grace, they are doing phenomenally well today. They are national treasures — I can't be responsible for dampening the image of our nation's heroes.
'
Despite the backlash, Karan stood by the episode and the format of his show. 'I don't regret anything they said. I don't regret not cutting anything out.
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If someone ever asks me to remove something, I do it out of respect — because they are my guest but I usually keep it as it is if there are no requests.'
The director also acknowledged the way the show has shaped his public persona. 'After Koffee with Karan, I have gotten a different reputation — that I'm 'this type.' But those who know me personally, know who I really am and the human being I am.'
While the controversy left an impact, Karan's reflections show a mix of responsibility, empathy, and an unwavering belief in the format that made Koffee with Karan iconic.
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