If there is a controversy that still simmers in Bollywood, it is when Kangana Ranaut called out Karan Johar as the “flag bearer of nepotism” on his celebrity chat show ‘Koffee With Karan’ in 2017. However, very few remember that another celebrity had beaten Kangana to the punch, making a similar comment years ago, but that didn’t become a topic of discussion.

In a throwback to a past episode of ‘Koffee with Karan,’ we revisit the time when John Abraham jokingly called Karan "clan-ish," sparking a debate about favouritism in the film industry that still resonates today.

In the third season of ‘Koffee With Karan,’ John appeared solo in the 18th episode, which was aired on March 20, 2011. The episode saw Karan and John talk about various things, including their film ‘Dostana’ and how the latter became an icon for homosexuality, and his chemistry with his female co-stars, including Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone.

Soon after the normal conversations on films, John’s bachelor’s pad, and more, Karan quizzed the actor in a rapid-fire round. It was during the rapid fire when Karan asked him, “Aamir, Salman, Shah Rukh—according to you, the Khan of all seasons?” Little to Karan’s expectations, John, instead of answering the question, said, “You’re very clannish.”

A shocked KJo was taken by surprise as he asked, “Me?” To this,

John said, “Ya ya. Why are you so clannish? Why can’t it be the Kumars or Devgns? Ajay Devgn has given (some of) the biggest hits.”

Even though Karan tried to brush it off by saying to John that he is “just causing confusion” and that he is “just being a brat,” John continued to call him ‘clan-ish.’.

“Who would you put your money on—Ranbir, Imran, or Shahid? Khans… they are the people who exist,” said John to Karan when the latter asked if he was clannish.

Knowing that John wouldn’t answer the actual rapid-fire question, he told John, “Thanks, John, for being the flag bearer of the fraternity. Well done. You’re like IMPPA (Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association)—representing the industry.”

Meanwhile, as for John, the actor’s latest film, ‘The Diplomat,’ was released in cinema halls on March 14, on the occasion of Holi. The movie also features Sadia Khateeb, Kumud Mishra, Sharib Hashmi, and Revathy.

What’s the nepotism controversy?

Although almost everyone is aware of the feud between Kangana and Karan over the former’s “flag bearer of nepotism” remark, here’s a flashback of what had happened on the show, for those unaware.

Kangana, along with Saif Ali Khan, was a guest on one of the episodes of ‘Koffee With Karan Season 5.’ In the rapid-fire round, Karan asked the actress, “Kangana, as per your experience, have you given an unnecessary attitude in the industry—female co-stars or the male ones?”

Instead of any actor’s name, Kangana named Karan, shocking both the host and Saif.

She further went on to say to him, “In my biopic, if it’s ever made, you’ll play that stereotypical Bollywood biggie who is like, you know, very snooty and completely intolerant to outsiders, and you know… The flag bearer of nepotism. The movie mafia.”

Her remarks spread like wildfire, igniting a controversy that shows no signs of dying down. Meanwhile, Karan has consistently stated that he will continue to launch newcomers from film families, believing they deserve a chance just like any other aspiring actor.