On 'koffee-kouch', KJo and Aamir discuss #MeToo. We swipe right!
For as long as we remember, the coveted 'koffee kouch' of 'Koffee With Karan' is from where controversies have started, friendships have been broken and sassy answers have been given. All this was given a break on Sunday's episode when Aamir Khan came on the show, and the superstar spoke with Karan Johar about the #MeToo movement. That the discussion happened, is welcoming.
Aamir promoted 'Thugs of Hindostan' to an extent of boredom
The much-awaited episode turned into a promotional one for 'Thugs of Hindostan', with KJo talking about the grandeur of the movie and Aamir saying how nervous he was. Even the rapid-fire quiz and coffee shots segment of the show wasn't enough entertaining. It was too bland with no concrete answers. In the entire boring episode, the discussion on #MeToo gave relief.
KJo and Aamir talk about #MeToo on national television
KJo needled the #MeToo movement and said how it has affected him. Unsurprisingly, Aamir felt the same and the two went about discussing how they were shocked at the allegations. Aamir said women have been exploited for decades and it is plain wrong. "I am glad there is a cleanup happening and women are having the strength to speak about it," Aamir said.
Aamir admitted he wasn't proud of his past choices
Aamir said it he wished the film industry didn't promote the culture. About objectifying women in Bollywood, Aamir said he was equally guilty. "I have sung a song 'Khambe Jaisi Khadi Hai'. Literally, objectifying women in every sentence. So, it's awful that we have been doing it," he said. Aamir added now that he is speaking to people, he learned how rampant abuse was.
KJo says he wakes up scared in the morning
The two influential people of Bollywood then said how they were shocked by the allegations. KJo admitted one can't know a person fully, and every day he woke up with anxiety thinking whose name he is going to read. The 'Dharma Productions' head said since the people the industry employed were too many, he wouldn't know how someone would behave with women.
Aamir is worried, has the same thought every night
Touching upon Aamir's decision to walk out of 'Mogul', KJo said he set the right example. For the uninitiated, the movie's director Subhash Kapoor was accused of harassment. Aamir said he had several discussions with Kiran. He said he respected the victim's choice to not take a course of law, but always wondered at night what if the person is innocent, and he just wrote someone's career off.
However, KJo gave credit where it wasn't due
All the things they spoke about gave an insight into Bollywood's dealing with #MeToo. If KJo is to be believed, they are shocked too. However, the conversation took a cringe-worthy turn when KJo credited Aamir for getting the 'ball rolling' with his stand. What KJo forgot was that Aamir just walked out of a project, it was the women who brought the movement home.
The episode wasn't perfect, but was a start at least
KJo praised Aamir for doing the bare minimum in the #MeToo era, and the actor took credit with a smile. Barring this unnecessary interaction, two stars talking about #MeToo on national television is what this movement needs. It is absolutely necessary that the movement breaks the shackles of social media, reaches homes, and starts dinner table conversations. Using 'Koffee With Karan', the guilty pleasure of millions for the same, is a good first step.
