Karan Johar: I feel freedom of expression and democracy are the biggest jokes in the world

Karan Johar made headlines when he spoke recently regarding intolerance at the Jaipur Literature Festival. According to media reports, Johar rebuffed the notion that India was a tolerant country where freedom of expression and democracy prevailed.

“I really wonder how are we really democratic? How is there freedom of expression? As a filmmaker, I feel bound at every level be it what I put out on celluloid or what I say in print,” he said. “The talk about freedom of expression is the biggest joke I believe in the world. Democracy is the second biggest joke I think.”

Previously, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan have also been the target of Hindu extremist organisation Shiv Sena, who labeled them as traitors. Aamir Khan had revealed how his wife had suggested him they leave the country due to rising intolerance in India. The comments kicked up quite the storm, with a Shiv Sena leader announcing a reward of Rs 100,000 per slap for anyone who slapped the Pk actor.

Karan Johar’s comments also have stirred debate within the country. What needs to be seen is, whether the veteran Indian director and filmmaker will also be the target of such abuses and criticism?