Did Karan Johar confess to being guilty of nepotism in this interview?

In 2014, Karan admitted to being a nepotist

Karan Johar and Kangana Ranaut's heated debate on nepotism has recently been all-the-rage. Kangana boldly called out Karan for being the flag-bearer of nepotism in Bollywood, which appalled the film-maker and he slammed Kangana's remarks.

Now, in a shocking turn of events, an old video of Karan has emerged in which he confesses that he's guilty of nepotism.

In a talk show, hosted by Indian film critic Anupama Chopra, Karan is seen seated with Tisca Chopra and Deepika Padukone.



"There are too many factors that determine movie stardom in this country, and I think true talent is the least of them." Johar is seen talking about what makes a star tick in India.

On hand-picking Alia Bhatt for her debut, Student of the Year, which was Karan's directorial, the Ae Dil Hai Mushkil director confessed, "I picked up a chubby girl. I saw something, and I can't lie, maybe the fact that she was Mahesh Bhatt's daughter also excited me. Right now I'd like to say no but it may have been a very strong sub-layer. That is nepotism and we are guilty of it and I am guilty of it. I am definitely guilty."

He went on to talk about the male lead in the same movie Varun Dhawan, and the fact that Karan picked him because he was David Dhawan's son. "Would I have cast Varun Dhawan if he wasn't David Dhawan's son? Because he was David Dhawan's son, he was on my set as an AD (associate director) and that's why he spent time with me so I understood that he could be a movie star."



Karan also asserted that he was such a huge name in the industry because of the platform his father provided him. "Would I have been a film-maker? I'm a producer's son. I had no experience, I was an assistant on one film. My father had the platform to give me, and therefore I'm a film-maker."

You can watch the video here:

https://twitter.com/anna_hateway/status/846070009747165184

Obviously, Twitterati had a thing or two to say regarding the double standards of Mr Johar.

https://twitter.com/buffer340/status/846315923036422145

Bollywood is full of nepotism and d whole world knows it. Even you Mr.Johar. Have guts to except it

— suruchi verma (@suruchiverma24) March 27, 2017

@anupamachopra @ieEntertainment HAHAA #Kangana just simply Rocks! Karan you are an excellent Hypocrite !

— Minal (@24abhati) March 27, 2017

Ironically both the times @karanjohar was talking to @anupamachopra . One where he was guilty of #nepotism & the other time denying it.

— Sabah Kazi Prakash (@sabakazi) March 27, 2017

We wonder what Karan could possibly have to clarify and justify these statements?

Have something to add in the story? Share it in the comments below.