Kunal Kohli Reacts to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Old “Most Overrated Director” Statement
Kunal Kohli reacts to Bhansali’s old overrated director remark
Filmmaker Kunal Kohli has revisited a nearly two-decade-old controversy where Sanjay Leela Bhansali labeled him Bollywood's "most overrated director" three times on Karan Johar's Koffee with Karan in 2007, revealing that while his wife Raveena felt hurt, he took it in stride. In a recent Screen Podcast interview, Kohli shared that Raveena, who contributed creatively to the show's early Star World days, came home upset after Bhansali's rapid-fire response during the episode promoting Saawariya. Bhansali had named Kohli repeatedly without pause, also critiquing his film Fanaa, sparking immediate buzz in industry circles.
Kohli recounted laughing off the remark when Raveena questioned his reaction, interpreting it as a sign of his impact: "Maybe that's how much I'm impacting him." He emphasized feeling "honestly flattered" rather than offended, noting that opinions from peers don't sway his work, which prioritizes box-office success and audience approval over critic or colleague views. Films like Hum Tum and Fanaa had succeeded commercially, bolstering his confidence despite the public slight.
The two directors have since maintained cordial relations, encountering each other at parties and events. Kohli once confronted Bhansali lightheartedly, who explained it fit the show's provocative format and assumed Kohli could handle it best. Bhansali reportedly clarified he didn't necessarily mean it personally, though Kohli quipped back playfully, underscoring their professional respect.
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This anecdote resurfaced amid Bollywood's ongoing chatter about industry rivalries and candid talk-show moments, a staple of Koffee with Karan since 2004. Kohli's initial 2007 response dismissed the comment gracefully, attributing it to Bhansali's unfamiliarity with some of his admired films like Lage Raho Munnabhai. It highlighted contrasting styles—Kohli's lighter romances versus Bhansali's opulent dramas like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, which Kohli praised.
The exchange underscores Bollywood's competitive undercurrents, where public spats often fuel publicity. Kohli's unflappable attitude contrasts with Raveena's emotional response, humanizing the episode years later.No ongoing feud exists, with both continuing successful careers—Bhansali with epics like Padmaavat, Kohli focusing on select projects. Fans on social media have revived clips, celebrating the moment as classic TV gold.
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