The ongoing dialogue about nepotism in Bollywood has gained fresh momentum with the recent entry of star kids such as Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, and Agastya Nanda into the film industry through their participation in “The Archies.” These young actors, who have attracted considerable attention due to their prominent family backgrounds, have reignited discussions about the inherent challenges of fairness and the pressure associated with being a celebrity child in a highly critical industry.
In a recent interview, actress Delnaaz Irani, who stars in “The Archies,” raised her concerns regarding the unfair comparisons frequently drawn between these newcomers and their celebrated parents. She emphasized, “Why would you compare Khushi to Sridevi? Why can’t you just let her be? This is a stupid topic,” underscoring the undue stress these comparisons can create.
Delnaaz expressed sympathy for the star kids under relentless scrutiny, saying, “I feel they are more under pressure. They can break down even before they attempt anything because there is so much pressure.” She also praised Agastya Nanda’s character, describing him as a well-mannered and respectful individual, commending his dedication and professionalism.
Reflecting on the criticisms surrounding nepotism, Delnaaz shared her perspective through a hypothetical scenario: “If I had a daughter who wanted to become an actor, I would also try and approach Karan Johar or any of the other filmmakers I have worked with.” This statement highlights a prevalent sentiment in the industry—that leveraging connections is a natural aspect of building a career in film.
Delnaaz also defended star kid Abhishek Bachchan against comparisons with his iconic father, Amitabh Bachchan, insisting that any actor would seem less impressive when measured against someone of Mr. Bachchan’s caliber.
As the scrutiny over star kids continues, particularly with Khushi Kapoor facing comparisons to Sridevi after leaked photos from “Mom 2,” it becomes increasingly vital to nurture these budding talents in a way that allows them to thrive independently of their famous lineage. The current discourse on nepotism reflects an essential call for an environment that values individual achievements, providing a positive outlook for the new generation of actors determined to succeed on their own terms in the dynamic world of Bollywood.