Emraan Hashmi's controversial remarks about Aishwarya Rai Bachchan during a segment on Karan Johar's popular talk show, "Koffee with Karan," had sparked significant backlash. In the rapid-fire round of the fourth season, Hashmi referred to Aishwarya as "plastic," a comment that was met with immediate criticism from fans and industry insiders alike.
The incident occurred in 2014, but its repercussions lingered, highlighting the shifting landscape of celebrity interactions and public sensitivity.
In a subsequent interview with Lallantop, Emraan Hashmi expressed regret for his choice of words. "I regret it. I keep saying that I have utmost respect for everyone I spoke about," he stated, acknowledging that his comment could have been interpreted as hurtful. Hashmi elaborated, "It was distasteful. Lately, people have become very sensitive. People get mad at everything on social media." This reflects a broader cultural shift, where public figures are increasingly held accountable for their words, and where the line between jest and offense can easily blur.
The actor later clarified his comments and said such is the nature of the game on the show that comments were supposed be taken sportingly. "In terms of the show, we were playing a game; it was all in jest. It was supposed to be taken sportingly. There are many such games in the show. Earlier, people weren't this sensitive," he said.
Emraan Hashmi also referenced Karan Johar's own reflections on the changing nature of the show's segments. "Recently, Karan Johar himself confessed that the rapid-fire round in the latest season of the show was the most boring. It's because now, the environment has completely changed. You can't give such answers anymore," he noted, emphasizing that the landscape of celebrity interviews has transformed dramatically. This shift could be attributed to the rise of social media, where every comment is dissected and scrutinized, resulting in a more cautious approach from public figures.
Interestingly, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has never directly addressed Hashmi’s comment. However, in a 2019 interview with Filmfare, she revealed that one of the worst things anyone has said about her is that she is "fake and plastic." This sentiment echoes the impact of Hashmi's words, highlighting how public perceptions can shape an individual’s image in the industry.
In the same interview, Hashmi shared a more personal anecdote, reminiscing about his admiration for Aishwarya. "I have waited outside Aishwarya Rai's van for about three hours just to catch a glimpse of her after her film 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.' I was a huge fan," he recalled. His experience illustrates the reverence many actors have for their peers, often crossing into fandom. He continued, "Mohit and I were shooting in Filmistan, I told him, 'You cannot go anywhere.' So we waited together. I still am a big fan of hers."
Despite his past comment, Hashmi expressed a desire to meet Aishwarya and extend a personal apology. "I would love to meet her. And I would love to apologise if she felt bad about it. I am sorry if I offended you," he said, reflecting a sense of accountability and respect for her as an artist. This willingness to reconcile suggests that Hashmi understands the weight of his words and recognizes the importance of fostering positive relationships within the film industry.
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, the interaction between celebrities and their audiences remains complex. Hashmi's remarks serve as a reminder of the fine line that public figures walk when engaging in playful banter. In an era where sensitivity and accountability are paramount, navigating this terrain requires a blend of humor, respect, and awareness of how words can resonate with others. The journey of healing through dialogue and understanding is essential, and Hashmi’s reflections highlight the importance of sincerity in a world that often thrives on sensationalism.
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