Nepotism in Bollywood: The Spotlight on Privilege
Bollywood is India's cinema, and nothing brings more controversy than a movie. But one question, among many, stands tall: nepotism. The term was derived from the Latin word meaning "favoritism granted because of family connections," but it has become one of the buzzwords with respect to the inner functioning of the industry. From generations of stars being produced by a family to high-profile filmmakers showcasing their close-knit circle, nepotism remains a persistent issue on the table. Let's go deep into this controversial issue, covering key examples and its wider implications in the industry.
The Shah Rukh Khan Legacy
From his status as a self-made superstar of the rags-to-riches narrative to being the self-proclaimed King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan was again being criticized due to the launching of his daughter, Suhana Khan. Suhana has already gained immense popularity across social media, and her debut in a Bollywood movie will be under the hands of Zoya Akhtar through "The Archies," a film adaptation of the popular comic series. (Source)
Critics, however, believe that Suhana's entry into the Bollywood industry was made a little easier because of her dad's clout and connections. Though she undoubtedly has charm and talent, skeptics wonder whether she would have been extended the same opportunities without having the Shah Rukh Khan surname. Her new project with other star kids, including Agastya Nanda, who is Amitabh Bachchan's grandson, and Khushi Kapoor, who is the daughter of late actress Sridevi, has triggered the nepotism debate in the industry.
Karan Johar: The Kingmaker of Star Kids
No discussion on nepotism in Bollywood can be considered complete without mentioning Karan Johar. The filmmaker, producer, and talk-show host has been accused of playing favorites when it comes to launching star kids. His production house, Dharma Productions, is infamous for being a launchpad for actors with industry connections.
The biggest launch was undoubtedly the filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt's daughter Alia Bhatt, although Alia would soon show enough to get that definition downplayed from Raazi and Gully Boy to just one movie as that perfect launch- Student of the Year- wherein a rich guy wins due to nothing else but Bollywood Privilege. His "Student of the Year" released simultaneously featured another director David Dhawan's son Varun Dhawan, besides Sidharth Malhotra. The son obviously enjoyed more momentum thanks to family ties.
Johar's show "Koffee with Karan" has also been accused of perpetuating nepotism by promoting insider cliques. The infamous "nepotism rocks" joke on the show was furthered by the industry's treatment of outsider struggles, making it a sharp criticism that many audiences have made. (Source)
The Sushant Singh Rajput Tragedy
Nepotism became a national debate following the tragic death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput in 2020. He was an outsider, having made the successful crossover from television to Bollywood, often ignored for big-banner films and passed over in favor of star kids. His tragic demise evoked widespread rage against the industry's perceived sidelining of talented outsiders. (Source)
Names like Karan Johar, Alia Bhatt, and Salman Khan were dragged into the controversy, where people were accusing them of fostering an environment that marginalizes outsiders. Social media campaigns like #JusticeForSushant and #BoycottBollywood gained traction, urging viewers to question the industry's deep-rooted biases.
The Dichotomy of Talent and Privilege
While nepotism undoubtedly plays a major role in Bollywood, the dynamics of the industry are not so simple. Many star kids have faced severe criticism and tremendous pressure to live up to their family legacies. Actors like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Ranbir Kapoor have balanced privilege with hard work and have earned respect through their performances.
Conversely, outsiders like Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Rajkummar Rao, and Taapsee Pannu have carved out successful careers despite lacking industry connections. Their journeys highlight that talent and perseverance can still triumph over privilege, even in a nepotism-driven industry.
Is Change on the Horizon?
Nepotism talk has made Bollywood look into the mirror. Viewers have begun to express themselves louder on the cause of merit over nexus, going by the popularity of the outsider heroes in the film world. OTT streaming sites have also leveled the field and given opportunities to debutantes and unheard-of narratives.
Filmmakers, too, are now casting actors based on merit and not lineage. The rate of change may be slow, but the pace of inclusiveness and fairness is picking up.
Conclusion
Nepotism in Bollywood is a complex issue, rooted in the industry’s history and culture. While it’s easy to criticize the system, dismantling it requires a collective effort from filmmakers, audiences, and critics alike. As Bollywood continues to evolve, one can only hope for a future where talent shines brighter than privilege, and the industry’s doors remain open to all dreamers, regardless of their last name.
