Karan Johar says Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul Koffee controversy made him doubt the show: 'I was traumatised'

Film producer and television presenter Karan Johar has voiced his disapproval of the criticism directed at newlyweds Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda. The couple faced backlash after appearing on Karan's popular chat show, Koffee With Karan 9, in October. The episode, which took place months after their February wedding, showcased their relationship and their film Ranabali promotions.

However, some viewers were unhappy with certain aspects of the couple's interaction, particularly Vijay's behavior towards Rashmika. Karan Johar addressed the criticism in an interview, questioning why people felt entitled to dictate how a couple should behave. He emphasized that everyone is entitled to an opinion, but when they start telling couples how to behave in their relationship, he has a problem.

Karan also recalled how Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh faced similar scrutiny after appearing together on the eighth season of Koffee With Karan. He defended the couple, calling their honesty about their personal lives and relationship "beautiful." Rashmika and Vijay first starred together in the 2018 Telugu film Geetha Govindam, becoming one of the most beloved on-screen pairs.

They later appeared together in Dear Comrade in 2019 and continued to have a close bond off-screen. Despite their lack of on-screen collaboration after Dear Comrade, rumors about their relationship persisted, with fans frequently spotting them together at the gym, Vijay's family home, and on their vacations.