Karan Johar: I take time to get dressed

After Alfred Dunhill, it's Timond watches now...
"Yes, I'm excited. But a lot of me is about 'lifestyle'. My projection as an individual and even as a professional - the kind of movies I make - has given me a certain image, which blends well with lifestyle products like Alfred Dunhill, a luxury apparel brand and now Timond watches. They, like me, are exclusive."

Not many directors are known to endorse products...
"I am happy to do anything interesting that comes my way, and I am glad that I haven't limited myself to the confines of a filmmaker. Filmmakers are usually perceived to be serious people. But for me, it's different. I am doing out-of-the-box things like hosting talk shows, and now I won't even mind wearing a fabulous watch on my wrist and posing with it in front of the camera."

Talking about doing different things, we haven't quite seen you act or even perform a cameo in a film?
"The one thing I am most skeptical about is playing a character on screen. I think I'd make the lousiest actor, though I participated in a lot of dramas in school, but at that age you are forgiven for anything and everything. I was forgiven!"

You are quite a ladies' man. Most consider you to be one of the most well-dressed people around. Is Karan overtly fashion conscious?
"I have no qualms in admitting to that. But there's a reason behind it. As a child I was overweight, and couldn't quite wear whatever I would've liked to wear. That's the reason today I take extra care to maintain myself, and I enjoy wearing clothes that I think will look good on me. I don't have any particular fashion statement, but like to settle for something comfortable and something that's 'me'."

So does Karan take long to get dressed?
"I make no bones about the fact that I take time to get dressed. There's a lot of thinking and planning that goes into what I am going to wear the next day. And I'd be lying if I said, I wake up, just put on anything and leave the house. At the same time, if I feel like wearing casual jeans (I am mostly in those), a T-shirt, and keds for even formal meetings, I'll do it. Because that's me. Take it or leave it!"

You are endorsing a watch brand now. Are you as time-conscious as you are fashion conscious?
"There is no better person to endorse a watch brand than me. I'm always punctual, and in fact, quite hysterical about it. But everyone else around me is always late and on a different song sheet and I have to bear with that."

How do you cope with the non-punctuality of actors, then?
"No, I don't have to cope with that. I understand where they are coming from. Also, today things have changed. Everyone and everything – the whole process of filmmaking – has become so professional and discipline has set in. Also, eventually, you always know that work will be done."

Thanks to your talk show, you haven't only become Mr. Agony Uncle, but also an instigator for many a cat-fight...
"No, none of that is intended. Things are said irreverently on my talk show. It's a casual chat, more of fun and not meant to be taken seriously. Also, every controversy is seasonal; it passes by and paves the way for a new one. And I have a lot of external help – the media, for example – that gives me ample scope to create yet another controversy. But seriously, my show is as harmless as I am."

What's in the pipeline as far as films are concerned?
"I'm working on my next script. I'm still in the structuring phases and it's too early to say who is going to be a part of it. It'll most probably go on floors early next year. I am also producing a few films under the Dharma banner and launching some promising young directors."

We'll end our interview with a rapid fire round question for you... Whom do you love the most – Kajol, Rani, Preity.
"I love them all!"

That's too diplomatic an answer KJo, and you have just lost the hamper!