Sidharth Malhotra’s action film Yodha’s trailer launch event was held on Thursday, which was attended by the entire team of the film, including producer Karan Johar and actors Raashii Khanna and Disha Patani. At the event, Disha made a revelation about how she was actually ‘spotted’ by Karan during her teenage years, when she was modelling. Also read: Karan Johar on conducting talent hunt for actors
Disha Patani defends Karan Johar
Disha Patani said, “If I am an actress today, it is also because of Karan Johar; because he was the one who actually spotted me when I was modelling. I was just 18. I feel like I wouldn’t have been here, if he hadn’t spotted me at that time. So when people say whatever (hinting at nepotism)… I am an outsider. So I feel like this is the opportunity that he gave me”.
Responding to her statement, Karan Johar said ‘I love you’ and showered Disha Patani, whose first Hindi film release was the 2016 biopic MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, with hugs.
The moment was interrupted by Sidharth Malhotra, who said, “Kya baat kar rahi ho Disha, main bhi (What are you saying Disha, me too).” He was referring to how he made his acting debut in the filmmaker’s 2012 movie Student Of The Year.
Karan Johar on nepotism debate
At the event, Karan also hit back at nepotism allegations against him. He said, “To everyone who accuses us of working only with insiders, Shashank Khaitan (filmmaker) is our brand ambassador of an outsider. Sagar and Pushkar (directors of Yodha) represent outsiders. So, the next time anyone trolls us, they should look at Yodha because the lead is also an outsider. So are Raashii and Disha. Hence, I think I deserve another crown now. Whoever may have tried to behead me, watch out for Yodha!”
Nepotism controversy
Actor Kangana Ranaut had accused Karan Johar of being the ‘flag-bearer of nepotism’ in Bollywood on an episode of Koffee With Karan season 5. The accusation of nepotism – favouring family or friends – has dogged Karan ever since and he has been slammed for only making films with star kids, such as Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan and Ananya Pandey, among others.
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Basant Kasayap is an entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to Bollywood to regional cinema, she offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
