With Karan, without the coffee

In town to launch Seema Khan's collection at the Kimaya boutique, Karan Johar sent even Dubai's society regulars into a slight tizzy.

One of Bollywood's most influential and powerful young directors, Johar walked in wearing only his clothes - no attitude - to talk to everyone who went up to him, signed autographs and became more photographed than the designer and her clothes. In a casual chat with Tabloid - minus the coffee - Johar spills the beans on his guests, the show and what's really in those mugs.

The buzz around here is huge for a filmmaker isn't it?

Yeah, I mean I have to admit it feels strange. I never realised that as a filmmaker there would be so many add-ons and when I started out I really thought that I'd just be making films. I suppose that these are all the bits that come with the job and it's fine. I'm really happy that people watch my work and are familiar with my work and now with this talk show there are various parts of my personality that I'm able to tap into.

Of course, people love the show and I'm sure this is a reaction to that because filmmakers are lesser known being behind the scenes. The show itself is something that I've always wanted to do, because I love talking that I thought I might as well get paid for it.

Is it exhausting?

No, I love it. That's why I said to myself that I might as well get paid for it. And it's great fun.

Does it pay better than a director's job?

I think so (laughs) And it's minus the stress and pressure. Also, it's a great backup at my end, so if things don't work out in films I can just turn to talking on television.

Which of your guests have been the most forthcoming in their interviews?

Well, that way I've been very fortunate. I've had people I've been very close to and did come on television. What I loved was the two veteran episodes that I did with Hema Malini and Zeenat and the second with Rishi and Neetu Kapoor. I think they were wonderful and for me it was like a childhood dream come true - speaking to people I've grown up watching.

Everyone else was fantastic but just interviewing these two pairs and going back into time with them was very special and I loved those two episodes very much.

There are some who are clever enough to talk without actually communicating. Any such smart ones so far on the show?

There were certain episodes - I don't want to mention names - when I found myself stuck. See the essence of the show is very chatty, casual to give people the impression that they are overhearing a conversation. There have been opportunities when I've been at a loss for words and didn't know where to take it.

So it does happen - a loss for words - with you?

Ya it does. Ya it does (smiles) But really the success of the show depends on the guest. I have to say that out of the 25 shows that we've done, I've loved 20 or 22. There were very few who didn't live up to my expectations.

Do you brief your guests in advance?

No. Never.

And what about taboos? Have you ever been told not to talk about certain sensitive issues?

Never.

Never?

Never. I think it's because they trust me and because I know them socially as well, they know I would never cross that line. I'm not here to sensationalise. For me it's very important that they come on the show, chat and have that cup of coffee with me.

Is there really coffee in the mugs?

Yes there is. It's hot brewing coffee, which we change during every break.

What's your take on remaking older movies?

It's been done in the West too. People announce remakes.

Yeah, but in Bollywood everyone seems to be announcing a remake every day?

Unfortunately, we belong to a herd mentality and if something works then we all run there. But this will settle down eventually. This will happen sporadically but it happens in the West. It's just never spoken about. It's just that this year there's a whole bunch of them happening.

Would you ever do one?

Um? For me I look at it very differently. I just feel that if I appreciate something or love something so much then I wouldn't touch it. But others see remaking a classic as a way of paying tribute to it.

Despite the brief role in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, you never went back into it?

Oh God. I was the worst thing in that movie. No there was never any plan to act. I was forced into that. Luckily I was born with a brain and I knew that I had no place in front of the camera. Being a host is OK. I'm just myself. So when I saw myself in DDLJ, I knew there's no calling there.

So are all actors without brains?

Not a lot of them. A lot of them in front of the camera need not be.

How do you react to critics slamming your films?

I always wanted to be a journalist and a film critic so I'm quite understanding. If I were a critic I would look at my films and say why does Karan Johar have to be so mushy and romantic.

Why do you get so mushy and romantic?

I am mushy and romantic. I don't get that way. I'm a sucker for romance, family values and happy endings. I love watching happy films. And I'm happy that there are all kinds of filmmakers who show you the stark realities of life.

And finally, would you have sent Paheli to the Oscars if it were up to you?

I think Paheli was actually a very clever choice - and I'm not saying that because it's Shah Rukh's film - but I think it was an original piece of work. It was a rustic fairytale. The West is enamoured by our colours and the so-called Indian-ness. Right or wrong, they are. So I think it was a very clever choice.