Nasty sting of nepotism

Ever since actress Kangana Ranaut came out upfront about nepotism in Karan Johar’s talk show, biggies of B-town have faced their share of criticism. Coming from a film background, or having big names in the industry as your father, mother, chacha or chachi, does help an actor have a comparatively convenient kickstart to their careers. But the struggle thereafter, in terms of continuing to give blockbusters, remains the same for an insider as well as an outsider in the entertainment industry.

Actress Shweta Tripathi, for instance, can justifiably be called an outsider. Her father is an Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer and mother, a teacher. She had no ‘jack’ who could get her a role in a film like Masaan or a show like Kya Mast Hai Life — for which people still recognise her.

She says, “I believe that if you want to make it big, you will make big, irrespective of where you come from. And the concerns of insiders and outsiders are prevalent everywhere, be it a lawyer or a doctor. For someone who comes from a film background, it might be easier to get your first film, but if you fail to prove yourself, people are not going to pay for the ticket to watch you.”

The actress feels that with hard work, one can achieve any milestone they aspire to achieve, despite the struggle that come their way. “Even insiders have to face different kinds of difficulties. And as an outsider, I am very happy where I am today. I am an actress because I wanted to be one. It is my choice, and not a career option which was available for me. Instead of thinking about what privileges I didn’t get, I rather want to focus on how can I make it to my next film, which is probably a bigger feature, or a commercial film,” she elucidates.

Actress Tannishtha Chatterjee, while agreeing that things are changing for outsiders in the industry, says that in a feudal society, instead of celebrating people who are self-made, we are used to making fun of them. “The whole idea of ‘where do you come from?’ is more important than ‘who you are’ and ‘what you have achieved’ in a feudal society. But this notion is slowly changing in Bollywood. People who have earned their name and fame because of their talent are recognised and respected much more than before,” says Tannishtha.

Actress Nidhhi Agerwal, who will be seen in Munna Michael opposite Tiger Shroff, agrees and says, “Initially, it is more difficult for an outsider but after a point of time, only your work sustains you. You can make a film work only if you perform well.”

Seconding Shweta, actor Anshuman Jha feels nepotism has existed, is still existing and will continue to exist. However, “There is enough room for outsiders as well,” he says.

“Eventually, only talent speaks. There have been times when I have auditioned for the role of hero’s friend, and the director has later told me that I was good enough to play the lead. I am not crying foul, but this is the reality. And thanks to nepotism, some people still get films despite their shoddy performances. When we see Vikrant Massey and Arjun Kapoor in the same film, we know who is a better actor. I feel sorry for the actors who got these chances and couldn’t make the most of it.”

He believes that favouritism is as big a menace as nepotism. However, the actor thinks things are improving. “Thankfully, there are filmmakers who are backing the talented lot. The one who are deserving will survive with or without nepotism.”