Filmmaker Karan Johar expressed hurt over being mimicked on a TV show, in his Insta Story, on Sunday. Producer Ektaa R Kapoor, too, shared it, writing: ‘Happened so many times! Ugly humour sometimes on shows…’

Social media was quick to deduce that Johar was referring to the show Madness Machayenge - India Ko Hasayenge, and the actor in question was Kettan Singh, who hosts a Koffee With Karan parody called Coffee with Churan, on the show.

Mimicry and impersonation are a routine feature on comedy shows, but the filmmaker’s outcry begs the question: how much is too much? We talk to celebs and comics on the debate.

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I was sitting and watching television with my mom... and saw a promo of a reality comedy show on a supposedly respectable channel... a comic was mimicking me in exceptionally poor taste... I expect this from trolls and faceless and nameless people but when your own industry can disrespect someone who has been in the business for over 25 years it speaks volumes about the times we live in... this doesn’t even anger me it just makes me sad! (sic)

- Karan Johar

Karan sir saw the promo, not the episode. I don’t know whether he didn’t like me impersonating him or saying something that was offensive. I extend my apology and won’t argue. I can’t point out that it’s because of the writer who wrote the material, because it’s teamwork.

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Your intent with impersonating someone has to be very clear. There’s a very thick — not thin — line between making fun of someone and mimicking someone. Both my wife Sugandha (Mishra, comic) and I mimic people to impress them. We never use abusive language.

With comedy, even if you don’t want, someone might get offended. (Actor) Ranveer Singh also mimicked (actors) Hrithik Roshan and Varun Dhawan on Koffee with Karan, and Karan ji was laughing then. I went on India’s Got Talent, Karan ji enjoyed my mimicry of (actor) Akshay Kumar. An artiste only aims to make people laugh, but yes, we should be responsible.

I am very mindful of where I draw the line. I will not go overboard or ever talk about say, Farah (Khan, choreographer) ji’s kids or husband, or make a remark on how she is earning money. That may be a bit below the belt. So, making fun of all that or someone’s sexual orientation... Things like that, we have to be mindful of.

People who mimic do end up saying a lot, but I wonder if their intentions are vicious. It’s done for fun. I’ve been mimicked on radio and stage. Kabhi agar paani sar se uncha ho gaya toh nahin karenge phir woh (upon realizing). But I will request those who mimic: there’s a limit, and never make it vulgar.

I like being mimicked. Mimicry bhi usi artiste ki hoti hai jo logon ke priya hote hain. Apni-apni soch ki baat hai — for me it’s nothing to feel bad about.