Karan Johar Explains Virat Kohli's Absence From Koffee With Karan

Karan Johar is not only a renowned filmmaker and a style icon, but also the witty host of the much-loved talk show Koffee With Karan. Recently, he disclosed why the celebrated cricketer Virat Kohli has yet to grace his couch.

During a candid discussion with Sania Mirza, Karan was asked why the former captain of the Indian cricket team has never appeared on his show. He replied, "I have never asked Virat. And now, I am not approaching any cricketers after the Hardik (Pandya) and (KL) Rahul incident."

Karan went on to mention that there are other personalities he has refrained from inviting, fearing they might decline the invitation.

This comment referenced the notorious 2019 incident when Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul faced severe backlash for their remarks while appearing on Koffee With Karan. Hardik's comments about women sparked widespread criticism for their misogynistic nature, as he shared personal stories that crossed lines of appropriateness on national television.

One particularly controversial remark involved Hardik stating he learned to “treat women” from observing “West Indian players and black culture,” which led to significant outrage. The BCCI's Committee of Administrators (CoA) demanded answers from both players.

In response to public outcry, Hardik Pandya apologized on social media, acknowledging he got “carried away.” However, this confession did not avert disciplinary measures, as both players faced temporary suspension from a three-match ODI series against Australia. Furthermore, the BCCI levied fines of Rs 20 lakh each under its misconduct rules.

Reflecting on the aftermath, Karan stated he felt a strong sense of responsibility for the fallout. He remarked, “I feel very responsible because it was my show and platform. I invited them as guests, so the repercussions were also mine to bear.”

The entire situation left him quite disturbed, causing multiple sleepless nights as he pondered how best to rectify the damage done.

Since then, Karan has become more cautious about inviting sports personalities, particularly cricketers, onto Koffee With Karan. This incident not only shifted public perceptions of celebrity interviews but also changed how entertainment platforms approach sensitive subject matter in today's era of social media.

While fans still hope to see Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma on the iconic coffee couch, Karan's latest comments suggest he prefers to avoid potential controversies concerning cricket stars.