Talent Management 

Exactly how much of an advantage is it when you’re trying to make it as an actor in movies to be the offspring of a superstar actor-producer? Huge,of course. You have a foot well ensconced in the door without trying,access to heavyweights in the profession and ready-made celebrity status,just by being so-and-so’s son or daughter. But if you look at some of the star kids in Bollywood right now,many of them are struggling to find an identity or have already fallen by the wayside.

Not all the might of Yashraj Studios could turn Uday Chopra into a sought-after hero. Esha Deol,Fardeen Khan and Vinod Khanna’s son,Rahul,have remained on the fringes for years. One could argue,however,that they at least got this far because of their successful parents and some impact is better than none at all. Sonam Kapoor,despite being the daughter of Anil Kapoor,who has successfully straddled commercial,art and international cinema for over two decades,is moving closer to oblivion,with not a single hit to talk about after an unexceptional three years. While her contemporary,Deepika Padukone,who has no filmy connection,has a string of hits behind her. And despite her filmy pedigree,even the extremely talented Kareena Kapoor had a string of flops before establishing herself as an actor par excellence. Abhishek Bachchan,the best-known struggler in Bollywood,is still on shaky ground,hardly an appropriate situation for a man in his mid-30s.

Relative newcomers,20-somethings like Ranbir Singh and Ranbir Kapoor have whizzed past him. Following a famous father’s footsteps is easy to begin with,but it’s a fickle,demanding and extremely impatient audience that decides the fate of every actor,without really giving a damn about who the parents are. What’s clear is that in the movies,a star kid will get a couple of breaks,but then you’re on your own. But getting access to that one,enviable role,that might showcase your talent or good looks is a huge advantage,unavailable,possibly to many more talented strugglers.

When it comes to choosing careers,it’s completely natural for young people to gravitate towards what they’ve grown up around — their parents’ careers. You have invaluable access to an experienced mentor and a realistic idea of the good and bad of the profession. However,it’s mostly in films and politics that dynasties are created and work,everywhere in the world. Even the US has produced father-son Presidents. In India,the examples are too many to recount,starting with the Gandhi family and the current Chief Minister of UP,Akhilesh Yadav. You won’t find Indians running small businesses who want their kids to follow suit. I love journalism but I wouldn’t be particularly ecstatic if my son or daughter chose to become journalists. Media companies are full of uncertainty. Worldwide,they’ve been slashing jobs ruthlessly in recent years,and I would far prefer my kids to pursue fields with better income and more security. Turns out I’m not alone.

According to statistics from a study conducted by an HR firm in America,just one in four working parents want their kids to pursue the same profession they did,and hope their children do something substantially easier,and better paying than they did. Choosing a career is a daunting task that is influenced subtly by just watching what close family and friends have done. The Kareena Kapoors and Ranbir Kapoors,who have successfully carried on a legacy,are more the exception than the rule,with enough 2nd-3rd generation filmi families trying hard to remain relevant. hutkayfilms@gmail.com