Nepotism, or family favoritism, has always been a hot topic in Bollywood. The term became more widely discussed after actress Kangana Ranaut accused filmmaker Karan Johar of being the “flag-bearer of nepotism” in 2017. Since then, many actors, directors, and fans have debated whether star kids get unfair advantages in the film industry.
Ibrahim Ali Khan’s Return Rekindles Nepotism Debate
Recently, Ibrahim Ali Khan (son of Saif Ali Khan) made headlines by returning in a new film just months after his first movie Nadaaniyan flopped. This raised the question: Would an outsider get the same second chance so easily?
Actor-writer Viraf Patell, who entered the industry without any film background, shared his thoughts. He said having a famous surname might open doors faster, but it also changes your journey and experiences. Patell, who has worked in Pathaan and Maharaj, believes nepotism exists not only in films but also in politics, business, and other professions.
Writers like Pawan Sony and actors like Gulshan Devaiah agree that favoritism happens, but it is not limited to Bollywood. In the South Indian film industries, big families still control most of the film business. Yet, people rarely talk about nepotism there.
For example, Telugu cinema is mostly run by a few film families like the Allu-Chiranjeevi and Nandamuri clans. Their children often become stars without auditions, while outsiders struggle for years.
Even in Bollywood, actors like Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Abhishek Bachchan have proved their talent over time, despite being star kids. On the other hand, self-made actors like Rajkummar Rao, Priyanka Chopra, and Kartik Aaryan have earned success without family help.
Some believe the reason people get upset about nepotism in acting is because acting is glamorous and public. A filmmaker’s son becoming a director doesn’t attract as much attention. Actor Prakash Belawadi adds, “Art is not about meritocracy. What people like is their personal opinion.”
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In the end, the film industry, like many others, is a mix of talent, opportunity, and relationships. Whether someone is a star kid or an outsider, long-term success still depends on hard work and audience love.
Author: Purnima s
Purnima | Entertainment Blogger 4+ yrs writing fun blogs on movies, celebs & trends. Pop culture addict serving fresh, binge-worthy content!
