Opinion Giggling with Karan

Why? Because the show is almost entirely gossip about film stars – preferably about those not present and preferably something about them that only diehard film gossips would know about. For instance,Deepika Padukone said that if she had to give Ranbir Kapoor,her former beau,a piece of advice it would be to ‘endorse a condom’. Whereupon she began to giggle uncontrollably,Sonam collapsed in a puddle of giggles and Karan’s grin was so broad it was in danger of splitting his face wide open. But what exactly is so funny? I didn’t get it and I really do have a sense of humour,ha ha. When Deepika was asked what would she do if she woke up as Ranbir Kapoor and she replied tartly,”Go back to sleep!’’ I smiled. It was quick-witted but not Groucho Marx.

The entire one hour continued in this hysterical fashion with innuendos about Ranbir,questions about Ranbir (Sonam was his co–star in Saawariya) and even when he was not mentioned,they were talking about him. Or else about Sonam’s relationship with Deepika and vice versa. Frankly,my dear,who gives a d…? There was not one question about their careers,their films or anything remotely intelligent. You expect more from Karan Johar,at least I do.

Last Sunday’s episode with Farah Khan,Rajkumar Hirani and Imtiaz Ali was slightly less giddy only because Imtiaz Ali and Rajkumar Hirani are not Laurel and Hardy. So Farah was cracking her PJs (puerile jokes) with that completely straight face which makes you laugh. Her face,not her jokes. When it came to the rapid fire round,all three were asked versions of each others questions and an identical one about the best directors and actors. Boring.

When you have a director like Hirani who directed the ‘Munnabhai’ films and this year’s big hit,Three Idiots,you expect the conversation to rise above C level. All we got were straight As for asinine and for absurd.

It’s a real shame that Karan Johar wants us to think he is so much sillier than he really is. Why can’t he conduct a half decent,half serious conversation with his guests? In comparison,Simi Garewal’s old TV talk show shines with its brilliance. And if that doesn’t hurt Karan J it should.