The latest episode of Koffee With Karan 8 welcomed Sharmila Tagore for the first time along with her son, actor Saif Ali Khan. Loaded with nostalgia and anecdotes that were kept secret otherwise, the episode delved a lot into the lives of the mother-son duo. Host Karan Johar revealed that Sharmila Tagore was his first choice for the role of Jamini Chatterjee in his 2023 directorial, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Eventually, it was portrayed phenomenally by Shabana Azmi. 

On Koffee With Karan 8, Karan said, "I had offered Sharmila ji the part played by Shabana Azmi in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. She was my very first choice. Due to health reasons at that time, she couldn't say yes but it is a regret I have."

Sharmila Tagore revealed that she was diagnosed with cancer and post the treatment, she wanted to avoid taking any risk. She said, "They hadn't grappled with COVID-19 at that time. We weren't vaccinated. After my cancer, they (hinting at doctors and family members) didn't want me to take that risk."

Karan and Sharmila expressed their desire to work together and the veteran actress asked the filmmaker to make it happen soon.