The big nepotism debate

THERE has been a lot of talk about nepotism doing damage to acting industry outsiders and on mental health after the tragic suicide of Bollywood star Sushant Singh Rajput.

As Sushant started off on television, many small screen stars have been joining the nepotism debate. Here is what some of them had to say.

Shashank Vyas: Nepotism exists, and it’s a normal human behaviour. But if you are taking away someone else’s work, that’s not right. There are many star kids who couldn’t get work after their first two-three films, because it’s the audience who decides an actor’s future. At the same time, there are stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Rajkummar Rao and Kangana Ranaut, who were outsiders, but made their way up. It’s a business. If I am not able to perform and not giving business to my producers, they will not work with me. People need to understand it’s a hard-core business. There are no relationships here.

Vijayendra Kumeria: Nepotism exists everywhere. Getting good work in films might be difficult for a person who does not have a film background. But if we talk about TV, I have never experienced nepotism here. I think the TV industry is open to anyone talented. But, I have come across some film casting-directors, who look down on TV actors.

Arun Mandola: Nepotism is everywhere! I think after Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, people have started talking more about it. It’s ok to ignore someone, but not ok if you try to destroy someone. Sometimes people try putting you under tremendous pressure, so you leave a project. All those who are talking about nepotism are also equally responsible. It needs to leave the industry for good and will only happen if the audience supports new talent.

Khusbhoo Kamal: Nepotism exists, and that’s how it has always been. One will definitely want their family to carry forward their legacy. People who belong to the industry will obviously be first choice. We outsiders also get the opportunity based on talent, but yes, our struggles are more if compared to those who belong to the industry. But look at actors like Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi and Manoj Bajpayee; they were talented and made a name for themselves although they were outsiders.

Bhoomika Mirchandani: Nepotism is everywhere and the industry is getting highlighted because people see us more. Instead of talking about others and their success, I think people need to focus on their work and success. We should take nepotism very lightly.

Pranitaa Pandit: Nepotism exists everywhere and it is deep rooted in society. People are blaming Bollywood, but it has existed in business families for generations. I don’t think there is anything wrong with it because everyone has worked really hard to be where they are and it’s absolutely fair to pass it on to their next generation. Bollywood is such a skill-based industry that skill and hard work will make you shine, and no one can stop you from doing so. It’s not fair to target someone. I have not lost any role because of nepotism and have never experienced it. I came from Delhi. Balaji Telefilms and Ekta (Kapoor) ma’am gave me a break and today, I have settled in Mumbai, all thanks to her.

Aniruddh Dave: Nepotism has existed since the beginning of time. Everyone wants their next generation to excel in the same field as them. It exists in the corporate world too, even in politics and sports. I think this word is being overly used for Bollywood. People who don’t have a filmy background should make their passion and dreams their background. In this industry, only talent sells. If you are talented, you will make it big, but you need to have patience. If you have a godfather, you may be launched easily, but what after that? People need to talk less about nepotism and more about real talent.