Emraan Hashmi on tagging Aishwarya Rai as 'plastic' on KWK: I had to bear the brunt for it for quite some time

In the midst of Showtime promotions, Emraan Hashmi opened up about a tumultuous incident from his past that had left a lasting impact on his public image. The Bollywood actor, known for his unfiltered honesty, recounted a controversial moment on Karan Johar's talk show Koffee With Karan in 2014.

During a rapid-fire round, Karan Johar threw a curveball at Emraan by asking him to associate the word 'plastic' with an actor. Emraan's candid response, labeling Aishwarya Rai as 'plastic,' stirred up a storm of backlash. Little did he know that this off-the-cuff remark would shadow him for years to come.

In a recent interview, Emraan delved into the aftermath of that notorious episode. He revealed that the impact was so significant that Karan Johar, the host himself, was taken aback. After Emraan's response, Karan momentarily halted the shoot, surveying the stunned faces on the set. The host was skeptical, asking if Emraan's answer could be retained. To Karan's surprise, a few crew members nodded in agreement, signaling the green light to keep the controversial statement.

The fallout was swift and intense. Emraan Hashmi found himself at the center of a media frenzy, facing criticism for his candid words about Aishwarya Rai. The actor clarified in a 2014 interview with Hindustan Times that he didn't mean to disrespect the Bollywood diva. Emraan emphasized that it was the format of the show that compelled him to make such statements to win the coveted Koffee hamper. Despite offering a clarification, the incident left a mark on Emraan's public perception.

Reflecting on the episode, Emraan expressed his admiration for Aishwarya Rai, stating that he was and continues to be a great fan of her work. He acknowledged the inevitability of the ensuing controversy, citing how people often magnify trivial matters.