Bollywood director Karan Johar hit out at filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma here Wednesday, expressing hope that the latter's third instalment in the scary franchise "Phoonk" is never made.

"I have heard that Ram Gopal Varma has said that the scariest movie he has ever watched is (my) 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'...

I haven't watched 'Phoonk' and 'Phoonk 2' but I hope 'Phoonk 3' is never made," Johar told reporters in his signature tongue-and-cheek fashion.

Karan Johar also says he is going ahead with plans to host the Indian Premier League (IPL) Awards despite the controversy surrounding the cricket extravaganza, which he describes as one of India's most "prestigious brands".

"I am totally hosting it and I think IPL is one of the most entertaining and prestigious brands of India," Karan told reporters.

"It has contributed so much to the entertainment quotient for millions of Indian across the country. I am proud to kind of share on stage everyone's cricket passion..."

The IPL is under a cloud with a probe into its financial deals. Income tax officials Wednesday searched the premises of IPL franchises in Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Kochi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi and Chandigarh.

A case to probe foreign exchange violations by the franchises was also registered,

Referring to IPL chairman Lalit Modi, he said: "I know Lalit socially and he is very nice whenever he meets me."

Karan maintains that he is yet to decide on making a comeback with the third edition of his popular celebrity chat show "Koffee With Karan". "We have taken a call and I will know in a couple of days whether I am doing the show or not."