Name a better actor than Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor and we’ll argue: R Balki on Nepotism

Nepotism in Bollywood industry is a known fact to all and has for a long time been a huge topic of debate in the industry. But Sushant Singh Rajput’s alleged suicide has only added fuel to the fire, starting a war of words on the internet among pro and against Nepotism culture in B’town.

This popular culture of Bollywood has been criticized by many for favouring star kids and sideling the actual talents coming from the non-filmy background. But people like Karan Johar also defies such allegations and call it a business of talents and opportunity.

Sharing the same outlook and opinion, acclaimed filmmaker R. Balakrishnan, popularly known as R. Balki, in a media interview, shared his views on prevalent nepotism culture in Bollywood, while also defending a bunch of talented star kids.

The director of ‘Cheeni Kum’ and ‘Paa’, R. Balki asserts that Nepotism exists everywhere, but talented people make it big.

“It’s undeniable that this happens everywhere. Think about the Mahindras, Ambanis, Bajajs… Their father passed on the businesses to them. Does anyone say ‘No I don’t think Mukesh Ambani shouldn’t run this business, someone else should?’ In every strata of the society, it happens, even a driver or a vegetable seller passes on businesses to their children. So, it’s a foolish argument. Remember we live in a free society,” said Balki.

Balki further stated that,

“The question is do they (star kids) have an unfair or bigger advantage? Yes, there are pros and cons. But I’d ask one simple question: Find me a better actor than Alia (Bhatt) or Ranbir (Kapoor), and we’ll argue. It’s unfair on these few people who’re probably some of the finest actors.”

The long list of products and producers of Nepotism includes big names like; Karan Johar, Alia Bhatt, Sonam Kapoor, Ananya Panday and many more Bollywood biggies.

The filmmaker also showed his disappointment over the fact that people do not acknowledge the talent of these star kids but bash them for being born to famous personalities.

Talking about Nepotism and talent R. Balki said,

“Understand that audiences don’t like actors without talent. Sometimes, they also want to see star kids on screen. That’s only the first chance that you get, and then one needs to survive on their own. I agree it’s far more difficult for an outsider to make an entry in films, but talent gets the opportunity.”

The sudden demise of rising star, Sushant Singh Rajput given to depression and him being treated as an outsider within the industry, not only attracted criticism from many but also started a decry for prevalent Nepotism culture in Bollywood. Due to this online besmirch many celebrities either become inactive or have switched off their replies/comments of their social media handles.