Opinion Counting generational wealth

Watching the many snarky opinions on YouTube of young Aryan’s directorial debut again raises the complicated issue of merit versus the birth lottery. I can’t help but think there’s something futile and petulant about grudging someone their good fortune. Life is never fair, and as Oscar Wilde noted most wisely, it is a good thing for most of us that it is not. Perhaps, the question to be asking is this: if I could, would I help my own child? The answer is generally, yes. That’s why Nepo Babies are strewn across industries. Doctors beget doctors, lawyers beget lawyers, and in actuality, the entire Indian judiciary is one big family affair. Film and political dynasties get highlighted as Nepo fiefdoms because they’re in the public domain. I too am a Nepo Baby, who, as the daughter of blissfully unaware journalist parents, drifted into familiar terrain (a big mistake because I ended up in a career with no money and no future).

Alas, our interests tend to align with our backgrounds. A child following in a parent’s footsteps is a historic norm. To blame a smattering of Nepo babies for grabbing all the breaks disregards humanity’s turbulent past, of monarchies, slavery, caste and class hierarchies — the world has always been run by the one per cent. The Khans may operate from an exceptionally rarefied stratosphere but the YouTuber with 1 million followers lamenting that outsiders have an uphill task in Bollywood has also benefited from an education that gave him opportunities many Indians don’t get. That’s the thing, we are all beneficiaries of privilege one way or the other. Rather than constantly harping about the uneven playing field, a better way is to soberly examine the endowments we have been bestowed, and get on with it.

Having said that, with social media we are just so much more aware of all the lives we could be living but aren’t because of our humble roots or difficult circumstances. Some are born to sweet delight, some are born to endless night. William Blake’s masterful lines sum up the recent ominous turn of events in Nepal where celebrity spawn are currently an endangered species. Instagram reels of the ritzy lifestyles of the children of the political elite — luxury vacations, Louis Vuitton accessories, sports cars — juxtaposed with images of struggling Nepalis enraged the youth.  #nepalsnepobabies was the (explosive) central narrative that brought the government down. In fact, the wrath towards Nepo babies is spreading; public fury is gaining momentum in the Philippines against the designer-clad-jet-setting-lot coasting along on taxpayer money. The “stealth wealth” fashion trend of 2023 that focused on understatement, is rapidly acquiring a whole new meaning in 2025. The wealthy will need to move around stealthily, underground. Because Beware, Gen Z is watching.

The writer is director, Hutkay Films