Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar’s quick wit and charm were on full display at a recent award ceremony, where he engaged in a hilarious and candid conversation with Telugu superstar Balakrishna Nandamuri.

The unofficial ‘KWK’ session had Karan probing Balakrishna about his intimidating persona, asking, “Why do people fear you?” Balakrishna’s response was classic: “They love me, but sometimes they irritate me, and I give them a return gift.” The crowd erupted in laughter as Balayya jokingly referenced instances where he slapped over-enthusiastic fans.

Karan cleverly tried to put Balakrishna in a tough spot by asking him to choose his favorite among Telugu legends Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, and Venkatesh. But Balayya deftly sidestepped, saying, “All of them are legends!” Karan Johar’s tongue-in-cheek admission: “I’m afraid of you too, Balayya!”

Balakrishna’s nonchalant reference to slapping fans: “Return gifts” for over-enthusiasm

Karan’s failed attempt to spark controversy: Balakrishna’s diplomatic answer