The Velvet Couch Rulebook: Inside Kajol and Twinkle’s Privilege Playbook

Kajol and Twinkle Khanna’s new talk show “Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle” has stunned the glossy market, particularly, the talk Show industry, with podcasts and talk shows happening in every nook and cranny of YouTube, Instagram and all the OTT platforms. These Bollywood queens stepped into the ring with bejewelled boxing gloves to blow their competition out of water, but this may have landed them in hot water instead.

One might think that such revered, senior artists now taking their place on the throne might stir a warm pot of nostalgia, of recalling the golden days of Bollywood, and sit with the young stars for a bit of advice or two. Well, could we be any more wrong? With sly, cleverly worded questions and a morally grey topic to take a stand on; this show seems to have been designed as a large trap that drags the stars into saying something worth bashing them for (a TRP trap, if you will).

But as it remains, what indeed is the “cheat sheet” that the Bollywood queens have been using to get away with this? Perhaps, more importantly, did they really get away with it?

Dipped in charm and classy wit, with the power of their clout and legacy backing them, when these icons lean across the couch and ask something which may across as “borderline intrusive”, they appear to be witty and clever ladies, but when a 24-year-old influencer tries to ask the same question? Suddenly they are “disrespectful”, “try-hard” and “cringe”, well, this talk show is indeed the perfect case study of how industry hierarchies work and more importantly an admiring spotlight on how the GenZ have decided, they aren’t buying it.

It’s important now to recognise that Kajol and Twinkle didn’t grow up in the industry, rather they ‘grew’ the industry. Their films are practically heirlooms, and this seniority and legacy grant them power that young members of the industry do not have. Well, however disarming that power might be, it clearly does not sit well with the audience.

In their scandalous segment named, ‘This side, That side,’ the one that has made waves on social media, the hosts have been seen stating opinions deemed “outrageous”, “revolting” and even “out of touch”. Some of their opinions on ‘emotional and physical infidelity’ and ‘actors doing a harder job than 9-5 workers’ have simply gotten them cancelled, and when their guests try to defend themselves and their opinions, they are overpowered by their voice just as loud as their power. This by a Gen Z influencer? Twitter would simply lose it. The ‘just banter shield’, on analysing their question, one can notice them trying to pass off ‘rude’ and even ‘stereotypical’ opinions in a light and conversational tone, giving themselves a shield. A cleverly crafted trap that lands the actor in a controversy might be objectionable, but since it comes dressed as curiosity and banter, these divas just waltz right out with answers. The senior actor privilege is real indeed.

But let us analyse the importance, impact, and consequences of such statements by taking into account the segment on their show featuring Ananya Pandey and the hosts. When the topic of GenZ is brought up, there is an immediate negative response from Kajol, Twinkle and even Farah Khan, the statement “What emotions? They are traumatised by everything!” or even degrading the whole generation’s intelligence down to just “Sourdough and mental health” is not only a harmful opinion to share on national television, but it also holds the power to alter people’s views. On this, a brave stance was taken by Ananya Pandey, who stated that the generation is more aware and knows how to be in touch with themselves and how they feel. Hence, it is to be taken into account that, publicity stunt or not, what is said in the show has consequences on a large demographic of people.

Moreover, there indeed is a public bias in favour of the OGs from at least their older audience; this is where you can see their legacy in full glory. The audience that harbours opinions like “That’s just Kajol being Kajol!” or maybe “That’s classic Twinkle! Too witty for her own good!”, such bias and fan following has also been carrying this show, and since the show has been on #3 as of this week. They are doing a pretty good job.

But here is the tension that one must also pay attention to: the Gen Z stars on the show? Well, they simply cannot afford to offend established stars. So no matter how ridiculous or maybe intrusive a question is, they can’t simply abstain from answering. The result? Beautiful half–awkward questions that are meant for appeasing rather than to actually state a view or opinion.

As it is, this kind of unaccountability might be worshipped inside the Bollywood industry and maybe supported by the older generation, but it’s clear that by the wide public opinion, GenZ isn’t having it. They aren’t fans of the “over the top” hosting styles, they aren’t gaga over the “unscripted” vibes the show gives, and they are definitely not here for the opinions of its hosts. Kajol and Twinkle Khanna are being openly called out for their opinions, and this isn’t what many senior Bollywood celebrities face, so whilst these queens have all my respect for stepping in with shiny gloves? Well, the Gen Z might have ripped off the rhinestones.

But would one say this show is a flop? Well, as of their latest episode, the hosts have added a disclaimer onto their show, addressing the severe backlash. “We have landed in too much trouble, we should have added a disclaimer”, they stated. Well credit where credit is due, the Queens of Bollywood have indeed showcased their power which isn’t loud but rather wrapped in velvet and always shiny, they might have been facing backlash and they might be the talk of the town, but its all still publicity unintentional or not, with people tuning in just to watch their controversial segment or listen to the scandalous answers, their show is high raking, social media is filled with their snippets, every media outlet has something to talk about and there is only a singular common entity “Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle”. Well played, Veteran Queens. Even better played, Gen Z.

The bigger question at the end of the day isn’t whether Kajol and Twinkle can take the heat, because they have clearly aced the masterclass on that. It’s whether this particular brand of heat, that comes with a shield of privilege and clout, is the direction the celebrity culture should take. Sure, it’s entertaining and sure, the clicks and views are rolling in. But Gen Z’s pushback and stand have made it crystal clear: legacy can no longer act as a “get out of jail free” card for dodgy morals and ethics. If the queens want to reign in a new era and still remain relevant, well then, their crown has to shine on merit. Because, and as it always is, controversy might bring clicks and cameras, but accountability is what decides who will get a couch ten years down the line – velvet or not.