Salman Khan could be bringing a very different energy to the ‘Koffee With Karan’ couch this year. The superstar is reportedly set to headline the opening episode of Season 9, but unlike his earlier appearances, he may face Karan Johar’s questions without a sibling, parent or fellow celebrity sharing the spotlight.The ninth season of the popular celebrity chat show is expected to premiere on JioHotstar around October-November 2026, coinciding with the Diwali period. While speculation around the potential guest line-up has already begun, Salman is reportedly the first celebrity to have been finalised for the season opener.A source told Variety India, “Salman has confirmed his presence to Karan Johar for the premiere episode. While other details are being ironed out, they are in agreement that Khan should appear solo this year.”A solo appearance would mark a notable departure from Salman’s previous ‘Koffee With Karan’ outings. The actor skipped the first three seasons before making his much-discussed debut on the show in Season 4. He returned in Season 5, appearing in the sixth episode, which also served as the programme’s 100th episode.On both occasions, Salman had company. His father and veteran screenwriter Salim Khan joined him during his Season 4 appearance, while his brothers Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan accompanied him in Season 5.Season 9 will stream on JioHotstar. Karan Johar has previously hinted at a revamp for the show, describing the upcoming edition as having a “new syntax”. The changes are expected to include shorter segments and tweaks to the established format.The show may also widen its pool of guests this time around. Reports indicate that the new season could feature not only major Hindi film personalities but also actors from the South Indian film industries, OTT performers and prominent digital creators.Meanwhile, an alleged guest list has been making the rounds online. The list reportedly originated with a Reddit user and remains unverified, with neither Karan Johar nor JioHotstar confirming the names.Among the names reportedly linked to Season 9 are Vicky Kaushal and Diljit Dosanjh; Aamir Khan, Akshaye Khanna and Saif Ali Khan; Samay Raina and Farah Khan; Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda; Jaya Bachchan, Kajol and Kareena Kapoor Khan; Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn; Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani; Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon; Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna; Lakshya and Janhvi Kapoor; and Ananya Panday and Shanaya Kapoor.