Filmmaker Karan Johar has made a surprising revelation about why Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli will never appear on his popular talk show Koffee With Karan. The decision stems from a controversial episode involving cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul that created massive backlash nearly six years ago.
The Cricketer Ban After Pandya-Rahul Fallout
During a recent candid conversation with tennis star Sania Mirza on Myntra's Glam Stream, Johar opened up about his cautious approach toward inviting cricketers. The filmmaker confirmed he has never asked Virat Kohli to appear on the show and now maintains a strict no-cricketer policy following the 2019 controversy.
"I have never asked Virat. And now, I am not asking any cricketers after what happened with Hardik and Rahul," Johar stated during the rapid-fire segment when Mirza brought up Kohli's name.
The episode in question featured cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul in 2019, which initially appeared lighthearted but sparked severe backlash for comments deemed misogynistic and inappropriate. The controversy became so intense that the episode was ultimately pulled down from the streaming platform, and both players faced professional consequences.
Remembering the 2019 Controversy
The Hardik Pandya-KL Rahul episode created one of the biggest controversies in Indian entertainment and sports history. During the show, then 25-year-old Hardik Pandya made several problematic statements that drew widespread criticism across the country.
Pandya claimed he had learned how to "treat women" by observing "West Indian players and black culture." In another segment that sparked outrage, he recalled telling his parents about losing his virginity by saying, "Aaj mai karke aaya!" He also described pointing to women at a party and telling his parents he had "a history with all of them," claiming they reacted with pride.
The backlash was immediate and severe. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) charged both players with misconduct and indiscipline under Rule 41 of its constitution, resulting in temporary suspensions and missed matches for the cricketers.
Virat Kohli's Stance and Lasting Impact
At the time of the controversy, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli had clearly distanced the national team from the comments made by Pandya and Rahul. Kohli stated, "From the Indian cricket team's point of view, any inappropriate comments made in that scenario are something we definitely don't support."
He emphasized that the players understood the magnitude of their mistake and clarified that these were "purely individual opinions" that the Indian cricket team did not support.
Johar also revealed during the conversation with Sania Mirza that while Virat Kohli has never been approached, there are other celebrities who consistently decline invitations. Ranbir Kapoor was named as someone who has refused to appear for the last three seasons, despite having been on the show three times previously, with his last appearance being in 2016 alongside Ranveer Singh.
The filmmaker added that there are "many who I just felt wouldn't come, so I never asked them in the first place," indicating his careful selection process for guests following the 2019 incident that changed his approach toward featuring sports personalities on his chat show.
