If the conversation about nepotism in Bollywood continues to rage today, it’s not just because critics and so-called trolls keep bringing it up in interviews or social media posts. The industry itself continues to draw attention to it. Witness the reactions following the release of The Archies, which has not one, not two, but three “star kids” in the lead roles. The film itself has received a mild, if mixed, response, with its real impact being that it has added fuel to the allegation that merit matters little in the industry. And so, a debate which began in 2017 following an episode of Koffee with Karan, in which actor Kangana Ranaut accused Karan Johar of being a “flagbearer of nepotism”, and snowballed following the the death of Sushant Singh Rajput in 2020, remains alive at the end of 2023.
The responses of those accused of nepotism have ranged from the blase — it’s hard to live up to the expectations that come with a famous last name — to the defensive — it’s my money so I can cast who I want. The truth, though, is that the Hindi film industry, like those in the south and even Hollywood, was never one that was driven entirely by meritorious outsiders. The only thing that has changed is how those born with a foot in the door are talked about. Nostalgia-tinged fawning about family resemblances in film dynasties is muted today, compared to spirited questioning of star sons’ privileges, including choreographed debuts with A-list directors.
Perhaps, it’s because this is not the India of old — as aspirations have grown, it has become harder to accept that while the majority struggles, a few manage to coast by on their connections and instant-recall names. An industry that proudly bears the moniker “dream factory” would do well to keep up with the dreams of a changing India.
