Nepotism in Bollywood is a hot topic in India these days. Ever since Sushant Singh Rajput committed suicide at his Mumbai residence on June 14, the focus is on how talented actors are made to suffer by the high and mighty of Bollywood.
It all started with Kangana Ranaut calling Karan Johar the “flag-bearer of nepotism” during a controversial Koffee With Karan TV episode.
The debate on talent (without a Godfather) versus lineage (children of a star) has been raging. So much so that even Taimur Ali Khan, the three-and-a-half-year old son of Saif and Kareena, has been the target of hate comments.
Let us take a look at what the famous star kids of Bollywood think of nepotism.
Ananya Pandey, daughter of actor Chunky Pandey, debuted with Karan Johar’s Student of The Year 2 and has defended nepotism on several occasions. She was badly trolled as well.
When people hate on me for nepotism, I’m not going to shy away that I’m Chunky Pandey’s daughter. My Dad has worked really hard and he’s still working. My Dad never did a Dharma film, my Dad never went on Koffee with Karan. It isn’t as easy people say it is. Everyone has their own journey.”
Sara Ali Khan, daughter of Amrita Singh and Saif Ali Khan, has acknowledged that nepotism exists in Bollywood. However, she believes that one can stay in the business only if they work hard. This is what she had to say on nepotism to India Today.
“I definitely believe that knowing people in the industry does help. That’s not a fact that I can run away from. I’ve often admitted to the fact that the biggest advantage of nepotism is the fact that we have easy access to people. I can call up Karan Johar without doing any film. I can go to Rohit Shetty’s office. So these are privileges I’m well aware of.”
Tiger Shroff, son of popular actor Jackie Shroff and known for his dance moves and action stunts, told GQ Magazine revealed he would have never made it to acting, if he had to go through an audition. Sajid Nadiadwala happened to ‘find’ him.
“Had there been one, I wouldn’t have got it anyway.”
While some star kids admit there’s nepotism, some deny it. Alia Bhatt, daughter of famous film director Mahesh Bhatt, once said she feels like punching people who talk about nepotism. Having made her debut with Karan Johar’s Student of The Year in 2012, Alia has established herself as an accomplished actress.
“I want to punch all those people who say that star kids have it easy because it makes no sense. The way the world is today, either you have it or you don’t.”
Nepotism or not, star kids have always been a part of Bollywood. Some of those who made an entry riding on family names made a quick exit, while others like Alia, Ranbir Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Kareena Kapoor, Kajol, Hritik Roshan, Jahnvi Kapoor have carved a niche for themselves without depending on their star parents.
The question is, should those using their lineage for a foothold in the industry stop pursuing acting as a career? Or should the ‘outsiders’ give up so easily, despite having oodles of talent?
