(Reuters) When he’s not directing and producing films or designing costumes, Karan Johar is chatting with his friends — and getting paid for it. In November, the 38-year-old filmmaker reprises his role as television chat show host on the third season of “Koffee With Karan”.
Director Karan Johar attends a news conference to promote his movie “My Name is Khan” at the 60th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin February 12, 2010.
Johar spoke to Reuters about his return to television, politically correct Bollywood stars and taking a break from Twitter.
Q: When “Koffee with Karan” ended four years ago, did you think there would be a third season?
A: “I always knew there would be a season three. I just didn’t know when. I took a huge break in between to do other things and directed ‘My Name is Khan’. The sabbatical was unfortunate but a required sabbatical.”
Q: You are doing so many things — production, direction and fashion designing. Where does “Koffee with Karan” figure in this scheme of things?
A: “I think ‘Koffee with Karan’ is an extension of my personality. It’s one of the reasons why I have such equity in market. A lot of people associate my name with the show rather than my films. I have great fun doing it. They (stars) are all my friends and it’s like lounging around in your living room and chatting.”
Q: Are there any taboo subjects on the show?
A: “Well, yes. I will never go into personal territory that I know would make the guest uncomfortable. Like if a couple is getting divorced you don’t ask them about it. It’s just good manners. And I am not here to ruffle feathers or hurt any one.”
Q: Are you planning to move beyond Bollywood this season?
A: “Well, I am going to try. But those will just be four or five episodes. The show is going to be predominantly Bollywood because that is what it is about. And that is what people want to see.”
Q: How have guests changed since the first season of the show?
A: “They have become more guarded. I think Bollywood stars on the whole have become more politically correct than before. Basically because there is so much attention being paid to what they say and do, especially because of social networking sites like Twitter. And even an innocent remark can be misconstrued. But that makes the job harder for people like us.”
Q: Speaking of Twitter, why haven’t you been tweeting recently?
A: “I just got fed up of it all. It was such a pain having to update constantly about what you are doing and your whereabouts. I worded it very carefully so that I wouldn’t have so many questions about why I was going off Twitter. And now I can’t possibly start again because people will say I am just doing it to promote the show.”
