“Any publicity is good” – Karan on Kajol-Kareena rift

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

August 26, 2010 - 12:58 PM IST

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Try cornering Karan Johar and chances are that you would get a totally different spin to the story, something that would make you go by the flow offered by him. It wasn't many days back when there was a strong buzz around how Ajay Devgn was not too pleased about the prominence that Kajol was getting in the promotional drive of We Are Family. It was said that he felt Kareena Kapoor was placed equal to Kajol, something which was sacrilege since she was a decade junior to the powerhouse performer who had proven her mettle once again with My Name Is Khan earlier this year. However, try probing the producer about it and he comes back with a cheeky response.

"Come on, any kind of publicity is good publicity so I don't mind if there have been speculations around this", winks Karan for whom We Are Family is his third release of the year after My Name Is Khan and I Hate LUV Storys, "I am told that this news resulted in some debate. Good, I don't mind that."

“Any publicity is good” – Karan on Kajol-Kareena rift

Nevertheless, on his actors' behalf, he is quick to laugh away the entire so-called controversy.

"Do you think that whether it is Kajol or Kareena, they require any reconfirmation or reaffirmation from anyone around", questions Karan who is known to share a special bond with Kajol and has returned with Kareena in a big way since Kurbaan, "Kajol is the senior most in We Are Family, is one of the biggest strengths in the film and is clearly the best in the business. As for Kareena, she is a confident actress and can never be insecure. She knows her space."

On a serious note, Karan adds, "In any case, there are no quotes from either of them where they have expressed their displeasure around the way they have been pitched. Moreover, I don't believe that anyone around them has made any statement in this regard either."

He goes on to extend the adage of We Are Family even further as he sings praises about the two leading ladies who have come together again close to a decade after Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.

"Whether it is Kajol or Kareena, they are because of their own individuality", he says, "They never get into this talk of 'Oh, I want more screen space' or 'I need this punch-line'. They are very assured of their talent. In fact I used to get a call from sets that they had become best buddies as they got along so famously."

In a humorous tone, he concludes, "Never did I hear from Siddharth Malhotra (the director) or another crew member that there was a discomfort on sets due to any cold vibes between the two women. Sometimes I wish there was! They brought the house on fire but if at all there was that one spark due to the cold vibes, it would have been good naa! After all I would have got some PR peg to play around with."

Well Karan, never say never!