Veteran Actor Lilliput Reiterates Regret Over Comment to Karan Johar
Veteran actor-writer M M Faruqui, popularly known by his stage name Lilliput, has once again publicly expressed his deep regret over a comment he made decades ago regarding filmmaker Karan Johar's "feminine mannerisms" during the filming of the television show Indradhanush. This incident, which Johar detailed in his autobiography An Unsuitable Boy, profoundly impacted the director, leading him to abandon acting altogether.
'I Told Him He Was Ladki Jaisa Hai'
Speaking about the episode in a recent interview, Lilliput recalled that he had commented on Johar's behavior at the time, describing him as "ladki jaisa hai" (like a girl). However, he insisted that his intention was never to insult or demean the young filmmaker. "What happens with theatre people is that we support each other as artists. If someone is performing a character with me and I think of a good suggestion, I share it. We do this because we want the project to turn out well," he explained to interviewer Siddharth Kannan.
Recalling the specific moment with Johar, Lilliput added, "He was a young boy and I felt he had slightly feminine mannerisms. So I told him, 'Son, pay a little attention to this. Otherwise, your acting is fine.' At that time, I wasn't aware of the psychology around these things." He emphasized that the suggestion was made in a respectful spirit, aimed at helping a fellow performer improve.
'If I Had Known It Would Hurt Him, I Wouldn't Have Said It'
Lilliput revealed that he only realized the depth of the comment's impact after reading about it in Johar's book. "He mentioned it in his book that this man had said such things to him. I feel sorry that it hurt him so much that he wrote about it," he stated. The veteran actor expressed sincere remorse, saying, "If I had known that my words could cause such pain, I would never have said it."
He further elaborated on the ethos of theatrical collaboration, noting, "We theatre people are not harsh. When we give suggestions, we do it for someone's well-being and for the betterment of the project. We behave respectfully with each other because we want the final result to be good."
'I Will Apologize to Him If We Meet'
Lilliput went on to say that he would personally apologize to Johar if they ever met in person. "If I meet him, I will say sorry and tell him that my intention was never to hurt or insult him. It is not in my nature to mock anyone. I know how painful it is when someone makes fun of you," he affirmed.
In An Unsuitable Boy, Johar wrote that comments about his weight, behavior, and feminine mannerisms during his younger days significantly contributed to his insecurities and ultimately led him to stay away from acting. This revelation has brought renewed attention to the lasting effects of such remarks in the entertainment industry.
The incident highlights broader issues of sensitivity and awareness in artistic collaborations, especially concerning personal identity and expression. Lilliput's repeated apologies underscore a growing recognition of the need for more mindful communication, even in creative environments where feedback is routine.
