10 days after Pandya-Rahul suspension, Karan Johar says he feels responsible; wants to undo damage
The director says that he has had sleepless nights over how the episode played out, in real life.
Updated:
Karan Johar finally speaks up on Pandya-Rahul sexist comments row
Nearly 10 days after Indian cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul were suspended following their 'sexist' and 'misogynistic' comments on Karan Johar's talk show, the director has spoken up. Johar, who hosts 'Koffee with Karan' where the cricketers had made the comments, spoke about the episode on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
"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," the 46-year-old director, told Supriya Shrinate of ET Now.
He went on to add, "I have had so many so many sleepless nights, wondering about how I can undo this damage, who is going to listen to me. It's now gone into a zone which is beyond my control."
Johar, however, clarified that the questions he asked the cricketers were the same that he asks other guests on his show. "I don't defend myself when I say this, but I ask women the same questions too."
When asked if he found the comments sexist, the 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' director reiterated that his show is run completely by women, and no one on the team had raised any objections about the content of the Pandya epsiode.
Johar, while expressing regret about what happened to the players - the duo's case will now be heard on February 5 and could affect their chances in the Indian Premier League and World Cup 2019 - rubbished chatter that this episode was aimed at garnering higher TRPs.
"I don't care about TRPs. This is a spin-off of my career, it's not my career, but it is theirs. My show is frivolous, sometimes completely borderline ridiculous, irreverent, and candid," Johar, who has been a regular at Davos for the past few years, stated.
However, he concluded by adding, "I'm not justifying the conversation that happened on the show. I think perhaps things were said that have crossed boundaries, and I apologise, because it was my platform where it happened. I feel the boys have paid the price for it already."
The cricketers found themselves at the receiving end of center of stern criticism, after their remarks on the show were considered sexist, racist and misogynistic.
"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," the 46-year-old director, told Supriya Shrinate of ET Now.
He went on to add, "I have had so many so many sleepless nights, wondering about how I can undo this damage, who is going to listen to me. It's now gone into a zone which is beyond my control."
�������� https://t.co/sFPkkNesGI
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) 1541850434000Johar, however, clarified that the questions he asked the cricketers were the same that he asks other guests on his show. "I don't defend myself when I say this, but I ask women the same questions too."
When asked if he found the comments sexist, the 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' director reiterated that his show is run completely by women, and no one on the team had raised any objections about the content of the Pandya epsiode.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I have a control room run by 16-17 women. While some of them termed the comments wild, crazy, or funny, no one came and told me it was inappropriate and maybe we should reflect on it. And as a result I didn't." Johar, while expressing regret about what happened to the players - the duo's case will now be heard on February 5 and could affect their chances in the Indian Premier League and World Cup 2019 - rubbished chatter that this episode was aimed at garnering higher TRPs.
"I don't care about TRPs. This is a spin-off of my career, it's not my career, but it is theirs. My show is frivolous, sometimes completely borderline ridiculous, irreverent, and candid," Johar, who has been a regular at Davos for the past few years, stated.
However, he concluded by adding, "I'm not justifying the conversation that happened on the show. I think perhaps things were said that have crossed boundaries, and I apologise, because it was my platform where it happened. I feel the boys have paid the price for it already."
ADVERTISEMENT
The cricketers found themselves at the receiving end of center of stern criticism, after their remarks on the show were considered sexist, racist and misogynistic.
By ET Bureau
Come Dussehra, leading business and sports names reveal their tools of success and the instruments that play a role in their professional lives.
In pic: From left (Hardik Pandya, Rani Rampal, Peyush Bansal)
ADVERTISEMENT
Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
