That one day of the week, we eagerly wait for is here. Yes, the Koffee Thursday. Well, this new episode of Koffee With Karan was everything we have not seen in any episodes up till now or for that matter even any seasons. It is so because the guest of this episode was for the first time a mother-son duo. This Thursday the Koffee couch was graced by none other than Sharmila Tagore and Saif Ali Khan.
In the history of Koffee With Karan, this was one of the most unconventional pairings. A veteran actress who was so ahead of her time and an actor who has been redefining his art and his work, through unconventional projects be it on the silver screen or the OTT platforms. With Sharmila Tagore and Saif Ali Khan, this episode was all about films, familial bonds, and reminiscing the old days but with a touch of royalty.
Highlights of the episode:
Sharmila Tagore’s controversial 60’s bikini shoot: Well, as we mentioned before, Sharmila Tagore was way ahead of her time. While talking about how things used to be back in her time, the veteran actress talked about her bikini shoot back in the 60’s. She shared that even the photographer was hesitant during the shoot. She further mentioned that this became a topic of discussion in the country and a lot of hate was shown towards her so much so that it was talked about inside the Parliament of our country.
Saif’s dating life back in the days: Well, Saif Ali Khan is a charmer and the world knows it. While sharing anecdotes from Saif’s college days, Sharmila Tagore revealed that this one time he skipped the university, asked an air hostess out and they went somewhere else. Further, the actress also revealed how she has asked Gulzar Saab to be Saif’s guardian in Mumbai.
Sharmila Tagore’s connection with Karan’s RRKPK: Remember the role played by Shabana Azmi in Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. Well, a few beans were spilt during this episode. Karan Johar revealed that it was Sharmila Tagore, who was initially considered to play that role. however, the actress opted out of it for health reasons. Karan Johar said, ‘I was so sad to not have you. I had offered Sharmila ji the part played by Shabana ji. She was my very first choice. Because of health reasons at that time, she couldn’t say yes but it is a regret I have.’
The candid conversation around Saif and Amrita’s relationship: For the first time in these many years Saif Ali Khan and Sharmila Tagore talked about how the relationship between Amrita Singh and the actor and how things went on after their marriage and how it finally ended to how things are cordial today between all of them. Sharmila Tagore recounted her first reaction when Saif told her about his marriage with Amrita Singh. She shared, that I was visiting Mumbai for something, so Saif came to meet me and then said ‘I have something to tell you’ and then he told me. Then of course, I didn’t know what I was doing but I was quiet and he said ‘Amma you’re quiet and your colour is changing and you are looking different.’ And I told him we would talk about it later. And then he left then I rang up Tiger and told him and there was a long silence on his part and then we left it at that. Then I said, I would like to meet her. The next day I called Amrita and we had tea and we chatted, but still quite shocked.’
However, Saif had a bit different version of this story. He revealed, ‘She (Sharmila Tagore) was supportive when I did it, and I remember it. She had said, ‘I believe you are living with someone and you are doing something’. So I said ‘yes’ and she said that don’t get married. And I said that I got married yesterday. And a big tear fell off of her eye. She started crying and she said ‘You hurt me, why didn’t you tell me’. So that’s actually what happened there.’
Further in conversation the actor also talked about his separation. He shared, ‘About the separation, the first person I spoke to before the separation was my mother, who took a deep breath and there was another pause on the phone and said, ‘I am with you if that is what you want’ and that helped a lot.’
Want to know the reason behind Saif’s replacement from Bekhudi: The first film that Saif Ali Khan was ever signed for was Rahul Rawail’s Bekhudi, however, the actor was later replaced. Thanks to Koffee With Karan we now know why. The actor shared that the director was looking for an actor who was more committed and professional. To that Sharmila Tagore added that she did reach out to Rahul, after the replacement requesting him to not do that as it would affect her son’s career.
The one quality of Kareena that Sharmila Tagore admires: Well within the episode Sharmila Tagore shared that she admires her daughter-in-law Kareena Kapoor Khan’s simplicity. She shared this story when Kareena Kapoor very openly simply talked about her live-in relationship with Saif Ali Khan in a room full of women who were Sharmila Tagore’s friends from Delhi.