'I would love to have Koffee with Rajnikanth'

Like he says in the promotional ads of Koffee With Karan, Karan Johar is back!

The third season of the chat show promises to feature exciting combinations of celebrities, beginning with Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Johar tells Rajul Hegde what to expect when the show starts on November 7, on Star World.

We will see Abhishek and Aishwarya in the opening episode but they are known to be very diplomatic. How difficult was it to get them talking?

I have a close relationship with both of them. This is their first interview together since their wedding three years ago. That was good enough for me.

It was great to see them talk causally. They opened up as much as they could, given the fact that there are television boundaries.

I would never ask them any questions that would offend them. I know the dynamics of privacy. I am not here to offend my guests or make them uncomfortable. But you would see Abhishek and Aishwarya in an avatar you have never seen before.

Doesn't your friendship with the guests give you liberty to ask them personal questions? Do they ever complain that you make them reveal their secrets?

Since I invite people who are close to me, there is a comfort zone and I can ask questions more liberally compared to the other people of the media.

But I have also interviewed people whom I don't know. I don't cross the line (when I chat with the guests). I tend not to offend them.

Did any of your guests ever call after the episode and ask you to edit a particular portion?

Yes. You know they say a lot of things at the spur of the moment and I understand that. At times I have called them up and said, 'Listen, I don't think you should be saying this on television; I am going to edit it. That's because I don't want to enter anyone's private lives, nor am I here to sort out issues.

Has your relationship gone sour with any of the guest, post Koffee with Karan?

My relationships have only grown stronger after the first two seasons. My show is not to ruin relationships but to strengthen them. Having a sense of humour is not a bad thing. I have taken potshots at myself and I know others do it too. But I take it in the right spirit.

Have you revealed any of your secrets on the show?

I've revealed lot of secrets. I am scared that my mother will watch the shows and slap me!

Which has been your favourite episode so far?

The most special episode was with the Kapoor family. I have a great connect with them. That was the only episode where all I did was laugh. They did all the talking. I didn't ask any questions. It was a Kapoor Chat Show, not Koffee With Karan. They were fantastic and lovable. Getting all of them on one platform was a great privilege.

How was it shooting together for an episode with Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone?

Two actresses can never be friends. I have shot with Sonam and Deepika, Imran Khan and Ranbir Kapoor. That is one of the best episodes. The young generations are cool, contemporary and well behaved.

Ranbir and Imran are kind of friends, so they were fine. Even the girls had a great chemistry and looked great on the show. I saw them adjusting each other's gown back stage. I just thought how the generation has really evolved.

Is there any star whom you would want to have Koffee with?

Rajnikanth. He is a legend. I hear he is averse to the idea of giving interviews but I'll definitely try to get him on my show. Also, Rekha, Ajay Devgn and Salman Khan. I had invited Rekha in the first season, but she declined. I am trying to get her this time.

What about Aamir Khan?

I have friends in Toronto, who have seen Dhobi Ghat and they tell me it's one of the best Indian movies in some time. I would love to have (director) Kiran Rao on my show.

I've spoken to Aamir about getting them together, and he has expressed an interest. But we haven't figured out the date and time yet.

Would you like to call Ram Gopal Varma on the show?

I will surely call Ram Gopal Varma. I don't know what the rating of that show would be but I want to clear the air. We are fun loving people. I would like to clear the air with him since we get at each other only through the media.

What next?

The remake of Agneepath would go on the floors next year. The pre-production work of Kareena Kapoor-Imran Khan starrer Short Term Shaadi is complete.