Dhanush picks Sonam Kapoor over Sara Ali Khan as better co-star on Koffee With Karan
Synopsis
On Koffee With Karan, Dhanush picked Sonam Kapoor over his Atrangi Re co-star Sara Ali Khan as the better Bollywood colleague — not out of professional rivalry, but because Sonam was his first Hindi film co-star and made a Tamil actor navigating a new industry feel genuinely welcome. Sara's deadpan 'Wow, not offensive at all' became the moment everyone talked about.
Key Takeaways
Dhanush chose Sonam Kapoor over Sara Ali Khan as a better Bollywood co-actor on Koffee With Karan .
He credited Sonam for making him comfortable as a south Indian actor debuting in Hindi cinema.
Dhanush admitted he initially doubted whether Sara could pull off the demanding role of Rinku in Atrangi Re .
Atrangi Re premiered on Disney+ Hotstar on 24 December 2021 , directed by Aanand L Rai .
Dhanush and Aanand L Rai later reunited for Tere Ishk Mein with Kriti Sanon , released in 2025 .
Dhanush made headlines during a Koffee With Karan appearance alongside Sara Ali Khan, where he candidly chose Sonam Kapoor over Sara as a better co-actor to work with in Bollywood — an answer that drew an immediate, light-hearted reaction from his co-star. The two had appeared on the show to promote Atrangi Re ahead of its 24 December 2021 premiere on Disney+ Hotstar.
The Moment That Sparked Buzz
When host and filmmaker Karan Johar asked Dhanush to pick between Sara Ali Khan and Sonam Kapoor as a co-actor, Dhanush named Sonam without a moment's hesitation. Sara's quick retort — 'Wow, not offensive at all' — drew laughter, but Dhanush was quick to explain the sentimental reasoning behind his choice.
Why Dhanush Chose Sonam
'Not taking away the kindness, sweetness, and fun Sara brought on the sets of Atrangi Re, Sonam because she was very special. She was my first co-star in Hindi films and a guy from the south coming here, and she made me feel very comfortable and very kind to me. I am very grateful for that,' Dhanush said. His answer underscored the emotional significance of first experiences in an unfamiliar film industry, rather than any professional slight to Sara.
Dhanush's Initial Doubts About Sara
Dhanush also revealed that he had reservations about Sara's ability to carry the demanding role of Rinku in Atrangi Re. 'To be very honest, I was a little worried. It is such a big role and a very difficult character to play. I asked Aanand L Rai, how many films has she done? He told me 2 or 3 films, at that point of time. I was like, can she pull it off?' Dhanush said. His willingness to voice those doubts publicly — while on a promotional circuit with Sara — added an unusually candid dimension to the interview.
About Atrangi Re
Atrangi Re, directed by Aanand L Rai and written by Himanshu Sharma, starred Dhanush, Sara Ali Khan, and Akshay Kumar in lead roles. The film was backed by T-Series Films, Colour Yellow Productions, and Cape of Good Films. It marked Dhanush's second collaboration with Aanand L Rai after Raanjhanaa. The actor-director duo later reunited for Tere Ishk Mein, co-starring Kriti Sanon, which released in 2025.
Point of View
A lead actor admitting he doubted his co-star's ability and then ranking a previous co-star above her on live television is genuinely rare. The Koffee couch has a long record of manufactured controversy, but this one felt unscripted. More interestingly, it reframes Sonam Kapoor's early-career significance: she is now remembered not just for her own work but as the person who eased a generation of south Indian talent into Bollywood's orbit.
NationPress
20 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Dhanush pick Sonam Kapoor over Sara Ali Khan on Koffee With Karan?
Dhanush said Sonam Kapoor holds a special place because she was his first co-star in Hindi films and made him feel very comfortable when he arrived from south India. He clarified the choice was rooted in gratitude rather than a comparison of acting ability.
How did Sara Ali Khan react to Dhanush's answer?
Sara Ali Khan responded with a sarcastic quip — 'Wow, not offensive at all' — which drew laughter on the show. Dhanush quickly followed up by acknowledging Sara's kindness and fun energy on the sets of Atrangi Re.
What did Dhanush say about Sara Ali Khan's casting in Atrangi Re?
Dhanush admitted he was initially worried about Sara's ability to handle the difficult role of Rinku, asking director Aanand L Rai how many films she had done at the time. He said he wondered aloud whether she could pull it off.
When did Atrangi Re release and where can it be watched?
Atrangi Re premiered on 24 December 2021 on Disney+ Hotstar. The film was directed by Aanand L Rai, written by Himanshu Sharma, and starred Dhanush, Sara Ali Khan, and Akshay Kumar.
How many times have Dhanush and Aanand L Rai worked together?
Dhanush and Aanand L Rai have collaborated three times — first on Raanjhanaa, then on Atrangi Re, and most recently on Tere Ishk Mein co-starring Kriti Sanon, which released in 2025.
