Prithviraj admits that he and Dulquer Salmaan are ‘nepo babies,’ reveals he ‘wasn’t even screen tested’ for first film

Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, who can currently be seen in the film Aadujeevitham, shared his two cents on the nepotism debate. The Salaar actor acknowledged his privileges and said that he owes his first film solely to his surname. Prithviraj also opened up about his relationship with Dulquer Salmaan. Prithviraj is the son of legendary actor Sukumaran, while Dulquer is the son of Mammootty.

The actor said in an interview with Mashable India, “In Kerala, we live quite close to each other, and we are all well ‘Nepo kids.’” Prodded about nepotism, the actor said, “I have had it easy to come into the industry. I got my first film only because of my surname. Someone thought I would make a good lead actor because I was so and so’s son. I wasn’t even screen tested. I owe my first film only to my surname, nothing else.”

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He continued, “But I owe only my first film to my surname because in cinema, the thing is, you could be anybody’s son or daughter, but you’re being evaluated by the public that coming Friday. If you’re not good enough, you’re not good enough, that’s it. You can’t be protected. You can’t be protected by the board of directors. You are out there to be judged by the public and you’ll have to face them. But having said that, I repeat, yes, I’ve had it easy to get into the industry.”

Prithviraj’s Aadujeevitham is being praised across industries. Based on Benyamin’s acclaimed 2008 Malayalam novel, the film is helmed by Blessy. Prithviraj will next be seen in Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff-starrer Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.