Kangana Ranaut Says Karan Johar Is “Not a Bad Person”

Nearly a decade after her explosive remarks on Koffee With Karan, actor and politician Kangana Ranaut has revisited her long-standing feud with filmmaker Karan Johar, offering a more measured perspective.

In a recent interview with ANI, Kangana said, “I don’t think Karan Johar is a bad person.” She described him as “very proudly superficial, flaky and flashy,” adding that he embraces that persona and possesses “an amazing sense of humour.”

She also clarified that she no longer harbors personal issues with him, stating that she has essentially “made peace” with the situation.

Revisiting the ‘Nepotism’ Controversy

Kangana’s remarks trace back to her 2017 appearance on Koffee With Karan Season 5, where she famously called Johar the “flag bearer of nepotism.” The moment sparked a wider industry debate around favoritism, insider culture, and access in Bollywood—topics that continue to resonate.

Reflecting on that period, Kangana said her reaction stemmed from accumulated experiences. She alleged that prior to the episode, Johar had mocked her clothing and English skills, and that she had been sidelined in a film they worked on together.

“There’s a time when you feel you want to fit in… but when you are already standing out, why do you want to fit in?”

she said, suggesting that her comments were a response to feeling dismissed and excluded.

“Why Should I Pretend?”: Kangana on Industry Dynamics

Kangana further claimed that her fallout with industry figures led to coordinated backlash. She described the period as one of “maligning campaigns” and “ganging up,” questioning why she should maintain appearances in such circumstances.

“When that kind of situation happens… why should I pretend and make them look good?” she said.

The actor also alleged that multiple forces—including what she described as a “boys’ club,” nepotism, and personal legal disputes—aligned against her. She recalled being labeled negatively and facing what she termed “very apparent and evident witch hunting” in her late 20s.

Past Tensions and Public Fallout

Following Kangana’s original comments, Karan Johar had publicly criticized her, accusing her of playing the “victim card” and expressing frustration over her repeated claims about being targeted by the industry.

Despite the sharp exchanges at the time, Kangana’s latest remarks indicate a shift in tone. While she continues to stand by her experiences and criticisms of Bollywood’s power structures, she appears less personally critical of Johar today.

On Working With Bollywood’s Leading Stars

In the same interaction, Kangana also addressed why she never collaborated with the industry’s biggest male stars, including Shah Rukh Khan.

Calling him “the most pleasant person you will ever meet,” she praised his upbringing and demeanor, describing him as “very chivalrous with women.” However, she revealed that by the time opportunities arose, she had moved past the desire to work alongside major male leads.

“There was a time when I wanted to, but then I was just over it,” she said.