Mumbai/IBNS: Actress-director Divya Khossla has hit back at filmmaker-producer Karan Johar for allegedly calling her a "fool" after the former accused Bollywood star Alia Bhatt of manipulating box office numbers of latest release, Jigra.

Jigra, which is jointly produced by Karan's Dharma Productions and Alia's Eternal Sunshine, released in theatres to a slow start on October 11.

Days ago, Divya shared a picture of an empty theatre hall on Instagram and accused Alia of rigging ticket sales.

She had written in an Instagram story, "Went to Citi Mall PVR for Jigra show. Theatre was totally empty … all theaters going empty every where."

In a counter, Karan Johar, who is also the mentor of Alia Bhatt, hit back writing on social media, " Silence is the best speech you will ever give to fools."

Blasting Karan, Divya told Hindustan Times, "Today, when I speak up, Mr Karan Johar uses derogatory language to shut me down. Is it right to call a woman a fool for pointing out unethical practices? If this happens to me, what about those new to the industry?

"No one is a king here, and I won’t be treated like a subject. There are many more derogatory words which were used in their PR articles, and called my taking a stand as a PR stunt. I'm sorry, I don't need one. I'm already well known."

In the first five days, Jigra, which co-stars young Vedang Raina in the lead, earned only Rs. 19.85 crore in the box office.

The story of sibling love is directed by Vasan Bala.