As told to Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 16, 2019)

Saif Ali Khan and I first collaborated for the promotions of his 2017 film Chef. He just told me to keep it comfortable. For me, Saif is the epitome of classic sophistication; it comes naturally to him. It’s not about clothes or accessories; it’s innate.


Over the past two years, I’ve observed that he has started to experiment more with colours and cuts, not just for outings but also when off-duty. He’s looking fresher and younger. The best part is that he’s not working to create an image. If he’s convinced about an outfit, he carries it effortlessly.

My first attempt to push him out of his comfort zone was when he made an appearance on Karan Johar’s chat show Koffee With Karan with his daughter Sara Ali Khan. Saif is a proper gentleman and doesn’t like meddling with the classics. I wanted an all-black look with white brogue shoes, but he insisted on socks. We argued; he wasn’t ready to ditch the socks. Next day, I turned up for the shoot without socks, leaving him no choice. He was adjudged the ‘Best Dressed Male Celebrity’ of the season. After that, he is more open to new ideas.

I think he now wants to go for a more boyish style, but not as an image-changing exercise. He has lost a lot of weight and looks fitter, even his hairstyle is fresh. So, Saif wants to do things that go with that vibe. He now loves ripped denims as opposed to the time when he went with bootcuts and straight-fits. In his next production, Jawaani Jaaneman, he plays a guy with swag, a stylish character you’d fall for. He even has a buzz haircut.

While he was promoting Laal Kaptaan, we started incorporating colours, pairing a basic look with yellow glares or red shoes. When he realised it was working, he called to say, “I like these colourful shoes. Let’s go and waste money on them.” I wasn’t sure I had heard him right till Saif rattled off the colours he wanted. “Red, blue, yellow espadrilles—I want to wear them all.”

Dressing up has been an integral part of his life, but he is governed by his mood. I can’t put a sweatshirt with a brand logo emblazoned across the chest on him. He is subtle that way. Saif is aware of brands but doesn’t have preferences. And he will just not wear bomber jackets or ill-fitting clothes or shoes. No matter how good they look, he will reject them outright, telling me to give it to my boyfriend instead.

We keep borrowing from his personal suit collection. He also prefers his own denims and shoes. As far watches go, I can’t even imagine sourcing the one-of-a-kind timepieces he has. He is a also a kurta-pyjama and Kolhapuri slippers guy. Then, he doesn’t care about what he is wearing. His style is not influenced by wife Kareena Kapoor’s, but whenever they step out, I’m awed at how good they look together.



1. CLASSIC CHIC: This look proved to be such a head-turner. It is a chic version of a classic blue denim and white tee combo. We teamed the basic look with red espadrilles and white glasses

2. SUITS HIM FINE: For the trailer launch of Tanhaji: The Unsung Hero, we decided to go with an olive suit to break the monotony. It looks fresh and different from his previous outings. Saif makes a suit look so good!

3. RETRO COOL: This was an extremely fresh and somewhat boyish look. We used understated basics—blue tee with blue ripped denims and white shoes. The yellow tinted glasses, from his collection of accessories, added a retro vibe



4. BLACK N’ WHITE: Saif wanted a sophisticated look for KJo’s show with Sara. We chose a black custom-made double-breasted suit with a black tee and white Oxford shoes without socks. He sported a ponytail at the time which went with the nonconformist vibe. The look was cool, but didn’t dilute the sophistication he is known for

5. TWIST OF ITALY: The classic Italian suit was custommade for the premiere of his show, the shoes were his own

Hiren Kotwani (DNA; June 10, 2019)

Over two years since the Diwali 2016 box-office battle with their respective films, Shivaay and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Ajay Devgn and Karan Johar called it a truce last November. Post that, Ajay shot with Kajol for Koffee With Karan and even won a luxury car for the Answer of the Season. Since then, the equation between the two has become warm and friendly.

Ajay, who confessed to having a ‘fear of going out’ and socialising, made an exception when he attended the Simmba success party hosted by Karan, who was also one of the producers of the blockbuster along with director Rohit Shetty.

Now, if Karan wants to convey anything to Ajay, he messages and calls him directly.

“That’s a major change from the time when Kajol, one of his best friends and the ‘darling of his life’, would play messenger, conveying KJo’s message to her hubby,” says a source, adding, “Now, Ajay responds to Karan like a friend and they share a pleasant equation.”

When Ajay turned 50 on April 2 this year, Karan not only wished him a ‘Very Happy Birthday’ but also praised the trailer of De De Pyaar De, which the actor launched on the same day. On his part, Ajay thanked KJo for his wishes and appreciation of the trailer.

Earlier last month, Karan, Rohit and Akshay Kumar marked the starting of their new collaboration, Sooryavanshi, by sharing a picture that also had Singham (Ajay) and Simmba (Ranveer Singh) joining the three producers.

When Veeru Devgn passed away on May 27, Karan, who was out of the country, reportedly called on Ajay and Kajol to share their grief. And post his return to the city the following day, he made it a point to visit the Devgan residence and offer condolences to his friends. Now it’s safe to say that all is indeed well between both the filmmakers.

MID-DAY (May 2, 2019)

Soon after the trailer of Student Of The Year 2 released, trolls took to social media to criticise the over-the-top world that the college drama depicted. Instead of being perturbed, lead actors and débutantes Ananya Panday and Tara Sutaria have opened up about being trolled.

Panday said: “I love all the memes. I think since Koffee With Karan, my expression became the subject of memes, and I love sharing it with my friends. I put it on my social media stories. It is really funny.”

Being the daughter of Chunky Panday, Ananya says she’s been witness to how her father has dealt with trolls. “I am so familiar with the whole thing [trolling] that I saw how my father can laugh at himself. I have learnt it too. I think, because he took it in such a positive way, I can also take it positively. It doesn’t affect me.”

Sutaria added: “Initially, trolling did affect me. But now I know that it is a part and parcel of our job. With SOTY 2, we are trying to create a world that is larger than life. Even when the first [instalment] released, there was criticism. But now, we all take it in good spirit.”

Rachit Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; February 28, 2019)

Love him, like him, loathe him, but you just can’t ignore him. Ask Sara Ali Khan, who has professed her wish to date the dishy Kartik Aaryan. That’s set the ball rolling for Bollywood’s latest heartthrob, and one way or the other, he is always in the news. The success of Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (SKTKS) has changed the game for him and even while the interview is on, fans are hovering around, wanting a selfie. All eyes are now on him and his upcoming release, Laxman Utekar’s Luka Chuppi. In a chat with BT, Kartik reveals that he’s ready to tackle every challenge and the fact that he takes pride in his confidence. Excerpts...

Do you feel that comedy has become your comfort zone? Have you been limited to working in comedies like Pyaar Ka Punchnama, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (SKTKS) and even Luka Chuppi for that matter?
I like thrillers and serious movies a lot more. Stories like Baazigar and Darr attract me, as they have an intrigue value. But comedy has become my calling card by default. It’s not something that I set out to do, nor had I planned for it. I liked thrillers, I was offered comedies, but I wanted to work in romantic films (laughs!). Honestly, I believe I can work in any genre. Right now, I may be occupied with comedy, but my choices are gradually veering towards romance.

Is it hard to break away from stereotypes? Do you feel creatively shackled when you’re just offered comedy films?
Nowadays, it’s easy to break the clutter. With the sheer volume of opportunities out there and the kind of stories that people are writing for films, an actor has a lot to choose from. If your previous hit is a comedy, the bulk of the roles and films that will come your way will be comic in nature. But, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be offered other genres. What you choose is up to you. In the current scenario, actors have a free hand. Ayushmann (Khurrana) working in a film like AndhaDhun is a surprise, but not only is he doing the film, it’s also working wonders at the box office. Same way, Varun Dhawan is working in movies like Badlapur and October. The dominant thought in Hindi cinema right now is about exploring new territories. And it’s not just actors, filmmakers, too, want to break the mould and cast actors in the kind of films that the audience hasn’t seen them in. Har koi kucch naya aur alag karna chahta hai and that’s why no actor can be stereotyped anymore.

So,what’s different about Luka Chuppi and your character?
We’ve tried to make a film based on the concept of comedy of errors, the kind of humour that people used to see in Manmohan Desai’s movies. After SKTKS, I was looking for a script like this, which had a mix of content and commercial appeal. For a change, the comedy is based on my reactions. I am used to delivering dialogues and monologues, but, this is one film where I had to react to people and situations, so for me, this was another new dimension.

Is it tough to make a mark in the midst of fierce competition? Your contemporaries like Ayushmann, Vicky Kaushal and others are all delivering big hits...
For me, competition means improving myself and opting for roles that are better than my last film. I don’t choose movies or projects based on what my peers are doing. That can be detrimental to an actor’s career. It took me seven long years to get where I am today and that is why I weigh out my options very carefully. I value what I have achieved and I feel that I still have a long way to go. I feel that’s a realistic approach to my career. I can’t think in retrospect and tell myself, ‘Look how far I have come’. If I start feeling, ‘Oh look I have achieved so much’, I’ll be ending my career right there and then. I have my priorities set and I know where I want to be and what it will take for me to get there. I love healthy competition where the talent of my peers inspires me to improve my own skills and choices. There are so many directors, scripts and chances out there. An actor won’t do 10 films a year, which means that there are many opportunities for everyone. I am just happy that I have so many options to choose from.

With the recent spotlight on your career after the success of SKTKS, do you feel that there has been a shift in the way people perceive you, both in the industry and outside?
I still wake up on days feeling amazed and shocked, asking if this is really happening to me. At times, I want to pinch myself and wake up from the dream. I have always lived with the fear that the person I am about to meet, will not recognise me. In the past seven years, I met so many people who didn’t know my name, so instinctively, when I meet people I want to tell them who I am and what I have done in the past. Even after the success of SKTKS, I was prepared for the fact that there will be people who may not have watched my film and they won’t know who I am. But, slowly and steadily, I am warming up to the fact that people know who I am and they want to shower me with attention and love. Having said that, I also live in the fear of losing the fame and adulation.

Insecurity can also be detrimental to an actor’s career...
I know that’s not right, but that’s a battle I have to face and win. The only way I can triumph over it is by working on my craft and making sure that I take nothing for granted. I will work hard on every little aspect of my career and make sure that I keep a level head. I am grateful for the standing that SKTKS has given me. It had eluded me for seven years and I am really happy that I have this opportunity now.

Not too long ago, there was speculation that you had turned down offers from big producers and that success had made you overconfident. How true is that and how do you react to such stories?
I was saying ‘no’ to films when I was sitting on two back-to-back flops as well. It’s not a matter of pride, nor is it something that I have just picked up in my career. This process has been a part of my professional life, even before I signed my first film. When I was a newcomer or when I had delivered two flops, I didn’t have too many good options. But, I used my discretion to choose what was best for me. Now is the time when people will actually judge me. I have a lot of good offers to choose from and depending on my choices, people will be able to judge whether I am doing the right thing or not. I am open to idea of being judged and criticised, but the thought behind saying ‘no’ to films is related to my gut feeling. I have always worked on instinct. I don’t have a bouncing board to weigh my options and help me arrive at decisions. I don’t have anyone who I can narrate the script to and take their opinion on whether I’ll fit into the role or not. I have always been alone during the process of making tough decisions and if that has worked in my favour so far, why would I want to change it? I only decline a film if I don’t feel confident about it.

The film industry can have a lot of fragile egos. So, we guess that an actor has to learn to be tactful while turning a film down...
I have been saying ‘no’ to a lot of offers and probably, I might turn down many more films in the future. An actor can’t say ‘yes’ to every film that comes his way. Of course, one needs to learn how to decline an offer (smiles). That’s something that I am trying to cultivate in myself and I am sure as I go along, I will figure out the art of saying ‘no’.

There’s been a lot of conjecture around the episode with Sara Ali Khan. Ever since she made the comment about dating you on Karan Johar’s chat show Koffee With Karan, people haven’t stopped talking about the two of you together. What’s fuelling this fire?
Conjecture! Hmmm… (laughs!) It’s like a social media film is playing out with each passing day. People can’t stop talking. One day they’re talking about what Sara said, the other day the conversation shifts to something I’ve said and blushed. The next day, she’s said something more. The narrative is just going on and on. Honestly, there is no real answer to this question because there is nothing really happening. I feel flattered with what Sara said on Karan’s show and I put out my reply on the very same show. I guess this film will keep playing till people are interested in it.

There’s also been a lot of debate around your relationship status. Apart from the link-up with Sara, you’ve also been spotted with Ananya Panday (who is making her Bollywood debut with Student Of The Year 2).How do you deal with so much attention to your private life?
I really don’t know where all of this is going. Suddenly, everyone is interested in knowing what’s up with my private life. All this attention is really awkward for me. I don’t have an answer when someone asks me about who I am dating. Because that question is being asked by the media on a public forum. I am not someone who wants to discuss my private life openly, let alone issue statements about it.

Does the constant glaze of social media add to the pressure of stardom?
Social media has changed the game so much. We actors are putting ourselves out there all the time. There’s absolutely no exclusivity at all. Woh star wali feeling, woh elusive nature of glamour abb khatam sa ho gaya hai. Right now, even a Bollywood star is on the same platform as a regular Twitter user. They both have the same voice and they’re both reaching out to millions at the same time. We live in a world of equals now and that’s why I feel that the stardom of actors like Amitabh ji, Shah Rukh sir, Salman sir or Akshay sir will never come back.

Harshada Rege (DNA; February 27, 2019)

Speculations have been rife about Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora’s ‘friendship’ for years now. Of course, suddenly the ‘friendship’ seemed to take a more serious turn and their closeness was first noticed when the two caught the eyes of the shutterbugs at designer Kunal Rawal’s show at the Lakmé Fashion Week last year. On Malaika’s birthday last year, October 2, 2018, the Namaste England actor flew to Italy to ring it in. Buzz about an impending wedding did the rounds. However, a source close to them had stepped in to add, “they are exploring their relationship”.

Neither of them has spoken about their equation. But photographs speak louder than words and this couple has been continuously clicked together on several occasions, thus putting an end to speculation about their proximity and giving a clear lead on where their relationship is now headed. The two recently took off together for Akash Ambani’s pre-wedding celebrations in Switzerland along with a bunch of their buddies from B-Town. That apart, three instances on Koffee With Karan (KWK) have proved that Malla and Arjun are now a “couple” as far as the industry goes.

I know that Arjun is dating Malaika: Priyanka
Last Sunday, Malaika’s close friend Kareena Kapoor Khan was on the Koffee With Karan couch with Priyanka Chopra Jonas. During the course of their conversation, Karan asked PC whether she knew who was dating whom in B-Town. “Do you know who Varun Dhawan is dating?” he questioned. PC couldn’t name Varun’s girlfriend. “But I know that Arjun is dating Malaika,” she said.

Bebo dodges the big question
KJo then trained his sights on Bebo and asked her about being aware of the Arjun-Malaika romance. She said, “I mean yes, of course...” He immediately quipped, “And apparently, rumour has it that you might be a bridesmaid. Is that true?” Bebo diplomatically dodged the question!

Arjun all the way
Karan, who was judging a reality show along with Malaika, had asked her how she found her cup of coffee the night before. This was the day after the KWK episode featuring Arjun Kapoor was aired. Malla answered, “It was hot, it was honest and I loved every bit of it.” While she didn’t name Arjun back then, looks like that’s going to change in the upcoming episode of KWK. The last episode will see Malla, Kirron Kher, Vir Das and Mallika Dua judging the performances of all those who graced the couch this season. While rating the best performance, she said, “For me, it’s Arjun this way or that way. (sic)”

Owning up to their true feelings
Looks like Arjun and Malaika have decided to wear their romance on their sleeves.  This is a refreshing change in an industry where most prefer to play games and try to keep their relationship out of the eye of the media for as long as they can.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 23, 2019)

The curtains will soon come down on the sixth season of Karan Johar’s chat show Koffee With Karan. As always, the filmmaker-host has managed a few casting coups over the last three months, bringing Janhvi and Arjun Kapoor together on a public platform for the first time, as also Sara Ali Khan and dad Saif. While his new students, Tiger Shroff, Ananya Panday and Tara Sutaria, caught the eye, Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul grabbed headlines with their controversial comments.

The Star World show kicked off with Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt and will feature two other style icons, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Kareena Kapoor Khan, as the guests in the finale episode. When the talk veered towards the social media, KJo asked PeeCee about her change of name on her Insta handle. “Are you now Jonas?” he probed, and she blushingly admitted that soon after they had tied the knot, Nick asked her what her name was. In answer to her “Priyanka Chopra Jonas”, her husband had simply nodded, “I see… I see…” before quipping, “And on Insta?” She had realised at that moment that the name change would be official only when it reflected on Instagram and added the Jonas.

The couple has been pretty explicit with their Insta PDA, constantly posting loved-up pictures and emoji-studded comments. Discussing the paparazzi culture, the actress pointed out that social media is a pretty new phenomenon, just 10-15 years old, but is convinced it is here to stay. 

Meena Iyer (DNA; February 18, 2019)

Ajay Devgn and comedy have a deep connect. The Bollywood superstar, who has earned his stripes doing ‘intense’ roles, has been equally faithful to the comic genre. That’s why between the Hum Dil De Chuke Sanams, Gangajals and Singhams, the actor, whose eyes are his most eloquent feature, has continuously made room for films that tickle the funny bone.

You don’t need to search hard to notice that he has punctuated the serious stuff with light-hearted movies like Ishq (1997), Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha (1998), the Golmaal franchise and of course, Son of Sardaar (2012). The Golmaal Again star believes that if you don’t make a person laugh, you’re that much less effective. Perhaps it’s for this reason that Ajay continues to flirt with comedy. That thought brings him and us to Total Dhamaal, his Friday release.

A Q&A session with the two-time National Award winner, who thinks comedy is serious business.

You always maintain that comedy is one genre which you’ll never move away from.
Who doesn’t want to laugh? We all have our problems. But I truly believe that if you don’t laugh enough, you haven’t lived it up. Comedy films are an addiction. You can watch them anytime anywhere. Talking of my own movies, I normally don’t watch them more than once. They may be brilliant, but I just don’t have the inclination to see them again. However, if it’s one of my comedy films, I stand around the television and definitely watch the funny scenes for at least five to seven minutes. I repeat, all of us need to laugh out loud. But that’s not my reason for doing comedies. I’m doing it because I enjoy the genre. Of course, I’m against doing just buffoonery. In fact, the other day someone close to me observed that I even do comedy seriously.

Really?
Yes, the person said that it’s funny the way you do comedy so seriously.

Comedy and you go way back, right?
Ya, Ishq and Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha done in the ’90s were funny. The Golmaal franchise has continued for a decade and there have been innumerable other films including Son Of Sardaar. When I have a release coming up, the first thing my children (Nysa and Yug) turn around and ask is, if it’s a comedy? They are excited if it is. If it’s not, then they’re like, “God, is the ending sad?” They are like, “Will it make us cry?” The questions don’t stop.

So, you’ve got your own home-grown audience for comedy...
Exactly. And I think that’s the case in every house. The Kapil Sharma Show is a hit with families because everyone wants to sit down together and share a laugh. Likewise, the Golmaal and Dhamaal franchise have a faithful following.

Besides subscribing to the view that laughter is the best medicine, you have also turned over a new leaf. You’ve become quite a party-goer...you went to Bobby Deol’s birthday bash last month.
Bobby is my neighbour, he lives across my home. I just had to step out and step in.

A few nights before that you also went to Karan Johar’s party.
That was only the other night that I went out. So, it’s only two occasions that you’re talking about.

It’s nice that you have finally learnt to step out.
I try to make the effort. Earlier too, I did try and on many occasions, I was dressed to go out. But then all of a sudden, I changed my mind. I have no clue why I did that. I would run away from the thought of going out. However, I’m attempting to change and become more social. I like meeting friends, so I guess I will make the effort.

Talking of your funny bone, your answers on Koffee With Karan (KWK) were witty beyond words.  You even won an Audi for the best answer. We heard you beat Aamir Khan?
I have no idea about who I beat. I just went there and decided that I was going to let my guard down. The nature of the show is such that you need to lighten up. Extempore casual talk zyada funny hota hai. People think I’m a serious person, but I can be a lot of fun.

Total Dhamaal has you reuniting with Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit-Nene. Anil says that both of you never treat each other like a junior and a senior.
We all get along very well. I respect him as an actor and a senior. I keep telling him that no one can work as hard as he does. He’s been working since the early ’80s, I think his enthusiasm and spirit are indefatigable. He can keep going on. He will do retakes till he is satisfied with a shot. Not all of us are like that. That is something we all need to learn from him, or make him unlearn (smiles).

But, apart from that, Anil is so much fun. He has no ego, like ‘I’m your senior’. I can tell him whatever I want to. I like him and respect him, I can pull his leg and he also responds the same way. I have seen him since I was quite young because my dad (action-director, Veeru Devgan) has done a number of films with Anil.

Yes, he has said he has a long innings of working with your father.
I remember when I was growing up, he used to come home. So, I know him since then. It’s a fabulous rapport that we share. And it’s so nice on the set, to see everyone get along with each other, it’s like one nice picnic. The funny thing on the Total Dhamaal set was that no one wanted to go home after their scenes. Even if someone had packed up, we would sit on the set and chat. Where do you find this kind of camaraderie? It’s a bit rare.

Normally, it’s said that the director is the captain of the ship. But this time it’s said that you were the godpa on the set.
What rubbish. I think that’s a piece of misinformation. Why would you even say something like that?

Oh ok, sorry. But one heard that you kind of put together the whole project.
Never. It is Indra Kumar and Ashok Thakeria’s baby all the way. I love my association with Indu ji. He’s a really positive guy.

How did you step into this Dhamaal franchise?
Indu ji was struggling to put this sequel together. I heard the narration, I liked it, so I was in. When the shooting began, everyone in the industry was so happy for Indu ji. He has tremendous goodwill, he is a genuinely nice person and he suffers because of that. He can’t say no to people. So, we have to tell him that if you can’t say no to people, we will do it for you.

It was also nice to see Akshay Kumar tweeting for Mungda, your song with Sonakshi Sinha.
Akshay and I have always liked and respected each other. We both started out together, practically, just one year apart. We lead different lives and don’t exactly socialise with one another. However, whenever we meet, we’re chilled out. I know I can pick the phone on him and ask him something and vice versa. What’s also nice is that he is in his own world. He’s not keeping tabs on anyone. I’m also the same. We’re two of a kind.

Anil (Kapoor) was saying Salman (Khan) and you are confident guys. You have no insecurities with your co-stars...
Yeah, we don’t. After 25-27 years, what insecurity will we have? Agreed, just before our film’s release, we’re jittery. But I won’t call that insecurity. You work hard and if something hasn’t shaped up as you envisioned, you get upset. That is not insecurity. It’s anxiety. Sometimes, you blame yourself and promise to be more careful the next time while choosing the projects.

Actor recounts the aftermath of watching a horror film, while Ananya Panday says their fellow student Tara ODs on PDA
Natasha Coutuinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 16, 2019)

Tiger Shroff and his leading ladies from the Student of the Year sequel, Ananya Panday and Tara Sutaria, recently turned up on mentor-producer Karan Johar’s chat show Koffee With Karan. And Chunky Panday’s daughter while imitating her co-star, revealed that Tara is very 'propah' in her usage of English and quite the grammar Nazi. “While chatting casually, if I say, ‘Tiger and me’, she will immediately correct me, pointing out that its 'Tiger and I',” sighed the 19-year-old Ananya who had plans to study in the US when she landed her big debut. Tara has a lot of TV shows and theatre to her credit.

However, Tara’s social media feeds are clogged with pictures with Ananya reflecting their dosti. Bring up the subject of dil, and the latter scrunches up her nose and says that Tara could go easy on the PDA. Her friend points out that her love for cuddles and snuggles comes from the fact that she’s an affectionate Scorpio. However, when Karan recalled her looking rather lost at a party, Tara admitted that she is very shy and reserved which is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance. “But that is not the case at all. It’s just difficult at parties,” she said.

Quizzed on the third student, director Punit Malhotra on the Star World show revealed that he’s quite the loner. Tiger was quick to point out that he can’t sleep alone. “Ever since I watched a horror film, I can’t sleep alone,” he reiterated. “When I’m travelling, I have a member of the team with me, and when I am at home, I sleep with my mother.” 

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; February 15, 2019)

Though there was buzz about Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra being in a relationship, the two never publicly admitted to it. However, they had dropped many hints about the same. Early last year, they parted ways and there was conjecture that the Student Of The Year co-stars were not on talking terms. Karan Johar asked Sidharth about the same on his chat show, Koffee With Karan. To which the Aiyaary actor replied, “I don’t think it’s bitter (his relationship with Alia post the split). We haven’t really met after that, to be honest. And it’s civil. It’s been a while and it happens... just like any other relationship.”

Sidharth says, “I have known her for much longer. I did know her much before, even before we were dating. So, it’s not like we met as a particular boyfriend-girlfriend thing. I think it’ll remain. It’s just a matter of us coming back.”

When we quizzed Alia about Sid’s response, she said, “Yes, I have watched the episode. Sid and I did meet actually. They had shot the episode much before we met so he must have said that. But we have obviously met recently and it was extremely normal.” About their current equation, she said, “I have a lot of love and respect for Sid. We started off together in the industry. I have known him for a long time and there’s too much history between us. Honestly, there will never be issues. I have nothing but just positivity in my heart for him. I’m sure he wishes the same as well. We have witnessed several milestones of our lives together. He spoke about meeting and chatting and we were fine. There are no bad vibes.” The Gully Boy actress feels that it’s possible to be friends with an ex. “Yes, absolutely, why not? If two individuals can come to terms with whatever has happened and don’t keep things in their heart, it’s definitely possible,” she added.

Harshada Rege (DNA; February 8, 2019)

The rapid-fire round on Koffee With Karan has always elicited the most candid responses from celebrity guests. In the last five seasons, two stars who would share the couch would try to be at their wittiest best to win the hamper. The stakes were raised this season when host Karan Johar announced that besides the hamper, the person who would come up with the Answer Of The Season (AOTS) would take home an Audi A5 Sportback. While many superstars including Aamir Khan were in the running, it’s Ajay Devgn who will be driving home the swanky car. In fact, the keys were handed over to the actor-filmmaker yesterday.

During the ‘rapid fire’ round, KJo had asked him, “One superstition that you are guilty of believing.” To which, Ajay’s quick reply was, “I had this superstition that all your films with ‘K’ work, till we did Kaal.” Kajol, who was his co-contestant, immediately said, “Okay, he’s winning this Audi. Here we come.”

For those who came in late, Kaal (2005) starred the Total Dhamaal actor and was produced under Karan’s banner, but the film didn’t create much buzz at the box office. The Koffee With Karan team had narrowed down a few replies. During the finale, Kirron Kher, Malaika Arora, Mallika Dua and Vir Das turned judges and picked the AOTS. Ajay, who is passionate about cars, sure must be pleased with this win.

BOMBAY TIMES (January 24, 2019)

Cricketers Hardik Pandya and K L Rahul have been making headlines for all the wrong reasons ever since they made an appearance on Karan Johar’s chat show Koffee With Karan Season 6. Since the episode aired, the two have received a lot of flak and criticism for their sexist comments. They have also been suspended, pending investigation. Now, Karan Johar has finally addressed the issue.

In an interaction with ET Now, the 46-year-old filmmaker said, “I have to say that I feel very responsible because it was my show, it was my platform. I invited them as guests and so the ramifications and repercussion of the show are my responsibility. I have had so many sleepless nights, wondering how I can undo this damage, who is gonna listen to me. It’s now gone into a zone which is beyond my control.” He added, “I regret what has happened to them. And, then there was talk about me actually enjoying the TRP, I don’t care about the TRPs.”

Saying that he is not trying to justify the comments made on the show, he added, “I am just saying that I think that perhaps things were said that may have crossed boundaries and I apologise because it was my platform from where it happened. I feel the boys have paid the price for it already.”

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; January 15, 2019)

Little did cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul know that their ‘casual’ statements on Koffee With Karan would land them in the soup. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India has put the two players under provisional suspension on grounds of misconduct, there’s more trouble brewing for them.

Says a source, “A leading men’s personal grooming brand has suspended its contract with Hardik after the controversial episode. Its loss has cost the all-rounder approximately Rs 2 crore.”

The same source adds, “His brand value has taken a huge hit with most of the other companies, who were queuing up to sign him up, disappearing in quick succession. He is currently the face for six other brands and many of them are contemplating similar action.”

Rahul’s story is no different. “He had signed a three-year contract with a sports brand and the company is already considering a replacement for him,” claimed a source.

Meanwhile, the channel has taken down  the episode from all platforms and the latest episode of KWK (featuring Shahid Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter) had a disclaimer, apologising for the cricketers’ comments.

Ranveer Singh says the young actor is completely focused on her career
DNA (January 10, 2019)

Ranveer Singh and Sara Ali Khan are currently on cloud nine what with Simmba successfully crossing the Rs 200-crore mark at the domestic box office.

The Padmaavat actor is all praises for his 23-year-old co-actor. He says, “Sara is a born star. Acting with her was a revitalising experience.” Ask him whether she gave him any gossip on set and he laughs saying, “She doesn’t know much gossip; she is too self-obsessed (smiles). She doesn’t care about anyone else. This is exactly how one should be at the early stages of one’s career. I understand Sara is vulnerable. I was in that stage a few years ago. It’s that time where your first few films are coming out and you want people to like you. You want their validation and that can be a vulnerable state to be in. During that period, one is usually concentrating entirely on one’s career.”

He observes, “Sara has an immense amount of confidence. She has a winning personality. Her people skills and intelligence, not to forget her talent, make her fully equipped to be a star. As an actor, she has immense potential. I know that as she moves into her third and fourth film, she will probably collaborate with certain filmmakers who will tap into it further.” Ranveer adds graciously, “Her star power is clearly visible. She didn’t have a single film out and there she was on Koffee With Karan conducting herself beautifully. And everyone loved her.”

BOMBAY TIMES (January 10, 2019)

Cricketer Hardik Pandya issued an apology on Twitter on Wednesday, following the backlash he faced owing to his sexist and misogynistic comments on Karan Johar’s talk show. Hardik’s statement read, “After reflecting on my comments on Koffee With Karan, I would like to apologise to everyone concerned who I may have hurt in any way. Honestly, I got a bit carried away with the nature of the show. In no way did I mean to disrespect or hurt anyone’s sentiments. Respect.”

According to a newswire, both Hardik and K L Rahul were issued show cause notices by the BCCI for their comments on women on the TV show. It has been speculated that the Board is most likely to bar players from such (noncricket) appearances in future.

The report quoted Vinod Rai, Chairman of the Committee of Administrators that runs the BCCI as saying, “We have sent show cause notices to Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul for their comments. They have been given 24 hours to give an explanation.”

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; December 6, 2018)

A few weeks ago, Sara Ali Khan mentioned on Koffee With Karan that she would like to ‘date Kartik Aaryan’. While abba Saif Ali Khan insisted that she’d always wanted to tie the knot with Ranbir Kapoor, the 23-year-old actress later clarified on a radio show, “Ranbir’s great, however, I don’t want to marry him. I must have said that three to four years ago. But yes, I’d still love to date Kartik.” She even asked the RJ to pass on her address to the Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (SKTKS) hero. Since then, wherever the newbie has gone for interviews, she’s been quizzed about it and her response has remained the same.

Kartik had not reacted to her statement, until now. Recently, when he was asked about Sara’s comments at an event, the SKTKS actor was left flummoxed. However, when we met him, he did have a message for the debutante. “I’m waiting for her address,” he said cheekily. When we asked him if their paths had ever crossed before, he told us, “Yes, we just exchanged hellos at a party. That’s all. She’s lovely and I wish her the best for Kedarnath.”

The two youngsters will team up for Imtiaz Ali’s next, which is reportedly planned as a sequel to Love Aaj Kal. The film goes on floors in February 2019.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; December 6, 2018)

Sonam K Ahuja, who was out of town, spending quality time with husband Anand S Ahuja, is back in the bay. And guess what she’s doing? Karan Johar’s talk show. We hear that Sonam, who’s been a regular on Koffee With Karan (KWK) in the last three seasons, will make yet another appearance on the sixth edition of the show.

Says a source, “This time, Sonam will be joined by her sister Rhea Kapoor on the couch. They are both shooting for KWK today at the studio.”

More than just siblings, Sonam and Rhea are best buddies, too. “They know everything about each other and Rhea is Sonam’s biggest confidante. So, there will be many secrets spilling out for sure. Also, this is the Veere Di Wedding actress’ first episode on KWK post her wedding, so there will be many details from the nuptials, which nobody knows about.”

Sonam will straight away dive into work mode now. “She resumes the shoot for The Zoya Factor and once she completes it, she will get busy with the release of Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga and the pre-production of her next venture.”

Two years after their widely-reported fallout, A jay Devgn-Kajol, Karan Johar call truce with a conversation in which they dish dirt on each other
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 30, 2018)

Mirror had earlier reported (November 3) that two years after a public fallout around the release of their respective directorials, Shivaay and Ae Dil hai Mushkil, Karan Johar and Ajay Devgn have called a truce and the latter is set to appear on the filmmaker’s chat show Koffee With Karan. Now, we have learnt that the duo, along with Ajay’s actress-wife and fellow guest Kajol, spilled the beans on lesser known aspects of their lives. According to a source, the host started off by asking Ajay if they could be friends now, considering that in his 19-and-a-half years of marriage with Kajol, the actor filmmaker has been tough to catch hold of. While Ajay nodded a “yes”, Kajol told KJo, “You can’t be friends with him; you’re my friend.”

Ajay also pointed out that people often think of him as rude or arrogant but he’s just an introvert who prefers staying indoors over going out, be it to parties, events or award functions. When Karan prodded if it could be “social anxiety”, he said “yes, maybe”. Kajol however insisted “it’s just laziness.”

Soon the spotlight was on the actress on the Star World show. When her long-time bestie revealed that Kajol can be really thrifty despite her star status, never flaunting designer labels, rather picking up strange brands from Santacruz market, her husband was quick to chime in, revealing that she has now moved on to online shopping and that there are seven-eight parcels coming in every day, worth anywhere between Rs 500 to Rs 1200. “And then she’s sitting on it, exclaiming, ‘See how much this is for, only Rs 600,’” he shared, even as his better half giggled.

Kajol admitted that she wears expensive clothes only for public appearances and comfort is her top priority in life. “I’d rather put my money in fixed deposits than spend it on something expensive that has no bloody returns”, she espoused, urging her husband to be more grateful for her spending habits. KJo broke in to ask if the earrings she was wearing were her own, and in answer to her resounding “no”,’ proceeded to call her a “completely low-maintenance wife”.

Ajay admitted that Kajol makes no demands on her birthdays either. “Every year, I choose a car I want and say, ‘Baby, I’m getting you a birthday gift,’ only to take it back later,” he informed.

Karan recalled the time he had tried to gift her a Louis Vuitton bag and was bombarded with a dozen questions in return, including “Does it have a front zip?” and “Does it have a back pocket?” Kajol reasoned that she doesn’t appreciate expensive gifts as they stress her out because she has to keep them safe, cover them up, do all sorts of “weird things”. “If I carry them out, I can’t put them on the floor or throw them on the side,” she argued. 

When Karan Johar asked Janhvi which male actor she would like to wake up as and why, the actress was quick to reply: ‘Vijay Deverakonda... and do a film with me’.
Elina Nayak (BOMAY TIMES; November 29, 2018)

Tollywood’s reigning heartthrob Vijay Deverakonda seems to have worked his charm on the ladies in Bollywood too. Janhvi Kapoor, a self-confessed Vijay fan, is a case in point. The young actress, who made her Bollywood debut with Dhadak recently, confessed just as much on a popular chat show hosted by Karan Johar.

When Karan Johar asked Janhvi which male actor she would like to wake up as and why, the actress, who was on the show with brother Arjun Kapoor, was quick to reply: “Vijay Deverakonda... and do a film with me (Janhvi).” To which Karan replied, “For all of you who don’t know him, he has done Arjun Reddy, which is now being remade with Shahid Kapoor and he is touted as the supremely sexy south Indian movie star.” Janhvi was quick to add, “And extremely talented also.” Evidently, Janhvi is quite smitten by the Geetha Govindam actor. Tell Vijay that and he blushes. “Lots of love to both Karan and Janhvi. And, I will do a film with both of them soon...” he adds.

Though he refused to comment any further, there were reports earlier that both Vijay and Janhvi would pair up to do a film together. The actress had back then dismissed them as baseless rumours. So, will they pair up for a movie really? Watch this space for more. 

The actor revealed his relationship status amongst other candid confessions on Karan Johar’s show
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 24, 2018)

Amidst reports of an April 2019 wedding with rumoured girlfriend Malaika Arora, Arjun Kapoor when quizzed about his ‘relationship status’ by Karan Johar on his chat show, surprised everyone by admitting, “No, I’m not single.” His candid confession left sister Janhvi, who appears on the Koffee With Karan episode with him, and their host momentarily speechless. Quick to recover, KJo prodded him further on the subject, asking the actor when he would be introducing this aspect of his life to his family. Arjun was equally quick with a rejoinder, “Clearly, it has just happened,” pointing towards his actresssister. Still looking stunned by the revelation, Janhvi added, “Yeah, it has been introduced on this show.”

Earlier in an interview to Mirror (September 8), Arjun had admitted that on his 33rd birthday (June 26), his grandmother, Nirmal Kapoor, had issued a “threat and a request, a bribe and a command” that he get married. Laughing, he had said, “Dadi has never articulated her feelings so firmly. Before this, it was all said in jest, this time she’s put a tick to it, and since dadi has few expectations from me, I intend to fulfil this demand at the right time with the right person.” However, he had been quick to add that he would like his sister Anshula and cousin Rhea to settle down first. “Besides, there have just been two weddings (Mohit Marwah and Sonam Kapoor) and we should give the family time too, else they’ll get tired of attending weddings. Mujhe bas thodi si mohlat de do (just give me some time), please,” he’d said.

However, since then, he has been pretty open about his ladylove by way of public appearances. At a recent fashion week, he was seated in the front row beside Malaika Arora. Following this, the duo made a joint appearance at Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla’s Diwali party, shook a leg on the reality show India’s Got Talent which Malaika judges, before flying off to Italy to bring in her 45th birthday. On their way back to Mumbai, they were clicked at the airport holding hands and since then have been out on many outings. When Sanjay Kapoor’s wife Maheep posted a picture of Arjun seated with Malaika, her hand possessively on his knee, as they faced the camera with their friends, it was an indication that the Kapoor khandaan has accepted her into their fold.

Getting back to the Star World chat show, Arjun pointed out how the family has gone through some really tough times in the last few months, obviously alluding to Sridevi’s sudden demise, and how it had changed his perspective on things. When Karan asked if that is what “led him to seek a stable, solid relationship in his life”, Arjun immediately nodded, “Yes, the last six months have taught me more about life than I imagined. I was just doing the right thing at one point of time. And then I realised it snowballed into being something way more relevant and important in my life.”

He further added, “I finally feel like I have a sense of belonging and a family. From the moment these two (referring to sisters Khushi and Janhvi Kapoor) and dad have reentered my life, I have realised, you need a foundation. You need a life to build beyond chasing a Friday, chasing work, being on the social media and being relevant. You need something that keeps you grounded, keeps you happy, and that is companionship. You need something solid to hold on to!”

And then came the most obvious question, “So are you open to marriage?” And surprisingly, Arjun responded with “Yes, now I am.” Adding to this, he said, “Earlier, I wasn’t.” He then turned the question to Janhvi, asking her if she was open to it as well. Janhvi too replied in the affirmative but Karan interrupted, telling his protegee, “But not now. We’ll all attend his wedding. That’ll be fun.” To this, Arjun grumbled, “Why are you destroying me?” and Karan quipped, “Why? We’ll attend this wedding. Hope it happens soon because there is a whole flurry of shaadis happening. All the friends around us are getting married already.”