Karan Johar feels responsible for Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul controversy

Cricketers received backlash for their misogynistic comments on 'Koffee With Karan'

Cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul's appearance on this season's Koffee With Karan sparked quite a controversy. While they received quite a lot of backlash from fans and insiders alike, host Karan Johar holds himself responsible.

The film-maker states that he feels "very responsible" for the repercussions that the two faced for the misogynistic remarks. However, Karan says he has no control over answers that come his way, reported Business Standard.

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At a recent event, the Kuch Kuch Hota Hai director said, "I have to say that I feel very responsible because it was my show and my platform. I invited them as guests so the ramifications and repercussions of the show are my responsibility. I have had so many sleepless nights wondering how can I undo this damage, who is going to listen to me..."

He continued, "It has now gone into a zone that is beyond my control. I have to say the questions I asked the two boys are questions I ask everyone, including women. Even when Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt were there, I asked them those questions. But I'm not trying to defend myself."

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Karan went to add that he has a control room full of girls. "Koffee With Karan is run entirely by women and I am the only man there. None of them came up. Some thought, 'Oh, he's wild, he's crazy, he's cracked, he's mad, he said funny things...' No one came and told me it was inappropriate or that 'Karan, maybe we should edit it', and as a result, I didn't think... I regret what has happened to Pandya and Rahul."

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Speaking of ratings, the Ae Dil Hai Mushkil film-maker stated that he doesn't care about the TRPs. "People don't understand that an English language show is never dependent on its ratings. We are nowhere on the radar of ratings."

PHOTO: NEW INDIAN EXPRESS

He continued, "But I am not saying or justifying the conversation that happened on the episode. I am just saying that perhaps that things were said that crossed the boundaries, and I apologise because it was my platform where it happened. I feel the boys have paid the price for it already."

Karan also said he will be conscious about shooting any episode now. "I would be worried about asking the kind of questions... I was being edgy, and that's the vibe of the show." Does he think cricketers are off his list now? "I think I am off their list," he quipped.

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