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Karan Johar is stepping away from the celebrity interview game for good. As Koffee with Karan enters its final season, the filmmaker explains why he won't be returning in this format.
Fans of the iconic show have long wondered if the franchise will continue under a different name or if Johar will launch a similar format elsewhere, as was also reported.
"Koffee.. is an IP, so it can be with anyone! But no. I have not left this zone of my life to start it all over again," Johar said while talking to THR India.
"I have too much love for the show, and respect for the platform for giving me the opportunity to do this season after season. But, I am not coming back in this avatar anytime soon."
Instead, the director says he is ready to leave the high-stress world of celebrity scheduling and personal phone calls behind, admitting he’s more than happy to trade the studio couch for something entirely out of left field.
"I am very happy to do other things that don't require me to make guest combinations, calls and do the heavy lifting! Put me in a cape, send me to Rajasthan for a captive reality show... I am fine. I am open to all those possibilities. Never say never, but this zone I am not visiting in the near future."
Naturally, all eyes are on the guest list for the grand finale, especially given that his close friend, superstar Shah Rukh Khan famously kicked off the very first season as the premiere guest.
When asked if SRK will return to close out the final chapter, Johar took a breath, adjusted his glasses, and went quiet, trying hard to control his smile before offering a non-committal tease.
"No denial and no acceptance. Nothing revealed! My silence is for you to now decipher. Take it as you want, I am not saying anything!”
Koffee With Karan made its debut in 2004. After 22 years, 8 seasons and 161 episodes of conversations that defined pop culture, the show is coming to an end with its on-going ninth season.
Watch the full interview with Karan Johar on The Hollywood Reporter India's YouTube channel next week