Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Sep 30: Popular celebrity chat show Koffee With Karan is set to return with its ninth and final season, with host and creator Karan Johar announcing that the upcoming season will mark the end of the long-running show.
The makers released a special video featuring Johar reflecting on the show's journey and bidding an emotional farewell to the programme.
Koffee With Karan first premiered in 2004 and has since become known for its candid celebrity conversations, rapid-fire rounds and headline-making revelations.
Speaking about the final season, Johar said some journeys are not planned to end but reach a point when it feels right to let them go. He described the show as an extraordinary part of his life that gave him friendships, memories, memorable moments, love and its share of controversies.
Johar credited the audience for keeping the show going over the years, saying viewers had laughed, debated, trolled and celebrated the programme while continuing to return for another season.
In the video, Johar recalled telling his father in June 2004 that he wanted to host a talk show featuring two celebrities in an informal and candid conversation. His father questioned who would pay him for something he was already doing with his friends.
Johar said his father died on June 26 that year, while he shot the first episode of the show on August 16, 2004. Looking back, he noted that the show had completed eight seasons and 161 episodes over 22 years, featuring celebrities who included friends, families and couples, some of whom later became former partners or married.
He also referred to several controversies associated with the programme, including the “nepo” debate and speculation surrounding celebrities.
Johar said that wherever he goes, people continue to ask when the next season of Koffee With Karan will arrive. He added that he had reached a point where he felt “all good things must come to an end” and confirmed that the upcoming season would be his last.
There has been considerable speculation over the guest list for Season 9, with names including Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna being discussed. The official guest lineup is expected to be revealed as the show premieres on October 14.