The whole world knows that Karan Johar and Kareena Kapoor are the best of friends. They are often seen partying together, Karan gave Bebo one of her best films till date – Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and the two have stood by each other through thick and thin. But these best friends had turned foes many years ago, and it was out there for the world to see. In his book, An Unsuitable Boy, KJo spoke in detail about his tiff with Kareena. Here are excerpts.
My first problem was with Kareena. She asked for too much money and we had some kind of a fallout at that time. Mujhse Dosti Karoge! had just released, directed by Kunal Kohli. She said, ‘Aditya Chopra’s assistant Kunal Kohli has made this flop, so Karan Johar’s assistant, Nikhil Advani is not to be trusted either’. The weekend of Mujhse Dosti Karoge‘s release, I offered her Kal Ho Naa Ho, and she asked for the same money that Shah Rukh Khan was getting. I said, ‘Sorry’.He went on to speak about how this really hurt him.
I was very hurt. I told my father, ‘Leave that negotiation room’ and I called her. She didn’t take my call, and I said, ‘We’re not taking her.’ And we signed Preity Zinta instead. Kareena and I didn’t speak to each other for almost a year. For a year, we looked through each other at parties. It was very idiotic. She was a kid; she’s a decade younger than me.The two ended this cold war once Kareena found out about Karan’s ailing father.
We were releasing Kal Ho Naa Ho in November. We had shot the film in June, July, August and in September I had to shoot the songs, make the promos and so on. So I had to head back, while my father continued the treatment in New York. That was the time Kareena Kapoor called me. It was August. We had not spoken for nine months. She called and said, ‘I heard about Yash uncle.’ She got really emotional on the phone, and she said, ‘I love yoou and I am so sorry I haven’t been in touch. Don’t worry’.Awww. Now, as we all know, everything’s good and they’re as thick as ever. They even cooked up a storm on Koffee With Karan. We hope this friendship lasts forever. 🙂