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Karan Johar with Richard Allen

It is often said that “A friend in need is a friend indeed” and I am one of those fortunate people who is surrounded by such close association. And one of them is my best friend, Shirrin who is currently living in New York. Equally excited about DesiDabba launch, she was generous enough to spend her entire Saturday evening behind something she usually isn’t fond off – Bollywood and Bollywood Personalities.

The Cinema Studies Department of New York University organized a special screening of Karan Johar’s film Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (KANK). The screening was followed by Q&A with director Karan Johar and screenwriter Shibani Bathija conducted by Richard Allen, Chair of Cinema Studies.

Here is a look at some of the questions and their responses by the young director concluded with Shirrin’s impression on one of most accomplished and popular film personality in Bollywood, today.

What sense did it make to indulge in stupid humor with the “Black Beast” joke in KANK?

Yes. Today when I look back at it I feel funny. I acknowledge my mistakes and if I had to do this today I wouldn’t do it. I have evolved as a director and I could do away with at least 25 min of what I have put in movie. KANK was 3hrs and 10 min and 25 min shorter could have made it more bearable. So yes I do regret the black beast part in the film.

Shah Rukh Khan is often shown as possessive, compulsive, compassionate nature in so many of his movies.

I share great comfort zone with my actors and Shah Rukh in real life is that kind of a man especially when it comes to his wife, his work, friends…whatever so I in many ways try to bring out the true nature of the person on the celluloid screen. I guess these are the luxuries of knowing the actors in real life.

Your reasons for Rani Mukherji and Abhishek Bachchan couple pairing in KANK.

Actually in the film it was supposed to be Kajol instead of Rani. I wanted to portray Rani’s character as 4-5 years elder than Abhishek. That’s why she treats him like a kid in so many instances. But Kajol couldn’t do KANK due to personal reasons hence I went ahead with Rani.

Somehow the couple didn’t portray their roles the way it should have been as in Rani elder and mature and Abhi childish and dependant. Another reason for that could be that just before KANK‘s release Bunty Aur Bubli had been released in which they were this carefree couple. So all the more people couldn’t accept or understand their relationship in KANK.

Portrayal of Gay relationship in Kal Ho Na Ho.

It was done in a humorous light so I guess not many took offence plus I didn’t have any problems in shooting it. But the caretaker of Saif in movie as in Kantabai, all her acting and expressions are natural and I didn’t have to tell her that she had to act this way etc.

Season 1 of Koffee with Karan was a major success. Did you feel any pressure or have any apprehensions while doing Season 2?

No nothing at all. It’s been the same fun, same excitement as before. There was nothing different about the part 2. It consists of 25 episodes just as the last time.

Is it true that you have included Rakhi Sawant in the Koffe with Karan guest list?

Yes, she is very much there in the list. She is insane and that is what I liked about her. She is so open and stupid and I guess that’s what has made her such a popular figure today.

With Yash Chopra announcing his venture into Indian Television Industry, will Dharma Productions follow the same path in the near future?

Well nothing as of now but who knows what the future holds.

Shirrin with Kjo

To me Karan seemed a very patient, very genuine man and was very cordial with everyone around. Even after the session he took time to take snaps and talk to eager fans and news reporters. He didn’t act like some celebrity or anything. Gave detailed answers and never pretended to be in a hurry as we often seen other Bollywood hotshots do.

So yeah he seemed to be a nice person to interact with but most importantly I would say he appeared to be man who has his head firmly held on his shoulders.

Hope you find this very short interview apt for your DesiDabba launch. Take care and wish you the very best.

Thanks a ton Shirrin, this is just perfect considering the fact that you had to watch KANK second time round. And by the way, Wish You a Very Happy Birthday.

Also a big Thank You to my dear friend at Filmiholic for the pictures.