Imran hurt by KJo’s cold shouldering
Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 21, 2014)

Three Karan Johar's productions - I Hate Luv Storys, Ek Main Aur Ek Tu and Gori Tere Pyaar Mein-toplined him, but post the debacle of the last one, buzz is that Imran Khan is no longer a favourite with the banner.

According to industry insiders the actor and the producer even had a showdown post the release of the love story helmed by Punit Malhotra, following which Imran landed up at Karan's place offering to return the paycheque he had received for the film.

Word from the Dharma Productions' office is that Imran has not been approached for any of the banner's upcoming projects. Even his director-friend Shakun Batra, who was keen to cast him in his next film, has dropped him from his wish list. The two had previously collaborated successfully on Ek Main Aur Ek Tu. He voluntarily dropped out of Vikramaditya Motwane's Bhavesh Joshi because he will be on paternity leave in June when the film is supposed to roll. Now, the shoot has been pushed forward to December but Imran has been replaced by Sidharth Malhotra, Kjo's current favourite.

When contacted, Imran said: "Karan gave me a hit when I needed it the most. We made three films together which are very close to my heart. However, currently we are not working on anything but I still hold the banner in the highest esteem."

When quizzed about Shakun's film and Bhavesh Joshi, he said: "I can't speak about what Shakun wants but he never spoke to me about his film or offered me the script. And Vik (director Vikramaditya Motwane) and I decided to mutually part ways before Sid (Sidharth Malhotra) was even considered for Bhavesh (Joshi)."

But, it's not just professional differences. Karan who hardly fails to wish his industry friends on Twitter, didn't respond to the news that his once blue-eyed boy is to become a father. What's more, he was also absent from Imran and wife Avantika's baby-shower.

When questioned on this subject, Imran responded sharply, saying, "You should be asking this question to Karan and not me."

However, despite repeated attempts, Karan chose not to respond to our calls and texts.