KJo's bite of Big Apple

Karan Johar on what makes New York his fave city

NOT WITHOUT MY DESIGNER WEAR : Karan Johar makes a fashion statement

How many times have you visited New York?

At least 50 times. I have shot two films there and lived in the city for four months so I am very familiar with Manhattan.

You are like the unofficial brand ambassador for New York?

No I don't want to be a brand ambassador of anything. I love my city, Mumbai and my country, India. I love to holiday in New York as it's a great getaway but I always want to come back home to Mumbai.

Your first memory of New York?

I was 10 years old and had gone with my parents to Disneyland. In transit we had stopped at NY. It was raining all day and my father and I had gone out looking for a particular pen that he wanted to buy. That's my first memory of NY.

What touristy things have you done in NY?

I have never behaved like a tourist there. I have never been to the Empire State building or gone on tours. Every time I have walked alone in NY it has been a memory walking through the streets and grid of Manhattan. I love the vibrancy.

Have you travelled by the metro?

Yes, in NY a couple of times but I prefer walking. It's all about walking on the streets and the avenues. New York is very safe. I have felt safe even walking there on the streets at 4 am.

MAIN BHI MODEL: Karan Johar on the streets of New York

Taken a stroll in Central Park?

Many times. I love walking there. Once I sat in Central Park for four hours doing nothing but staring at the people walk by. Central Park has a life of its own. I scripted KANK there. My favorite pastime is people watching but I can never do it in India.

Where do you stay in NY?

At The Radisson Hotel which is run by Sam Bhadha and is like a home away from home.

He treats everyone like family and everyone in the film industry knows him.

There is a particular room of mine that I always stay in. I am a comfort freak.

Ever thought of buying a place in NY?

No. Home should be in your own country. Where is the need to buy a place in NY when there are such great hotels? I love hotel culture.

Three things you always do in New York.

Walk, shop and sit in Central Park.

Three great hangouts in New York.

Caf Lalo at Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan, where you get the best cheesecake in the world, Salad Chain Europa where you can make your own salad, The Lounge in The Village where you get the best clothes for men in the world, the Meat Packing District next to The Village downtown.

The Meat Packing District has been turned into the hippest and most stylish of places with restaurants and shops over six years ago.

One person who you would like to take with you to New York and leave him/her there.

I have gone with everyone and I don't want to leave anyone there as I have gone with people I love. I want all of them back home with me.