What’s in a (family) name?

In an interaction with students at Berkley on Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi lashed out at those who say that he is where he is only because of dynasty power. Rahul said,  “Most parties in India have that problem...Mr Akhilesh Yadav is a dynast. Mr Stalin (son of M Karunanidhi of DMK) is a dynast... even Abhishek Bachchan is a dynast. So, that’s how India runs. So, don’t get after me because that’s how India is run. (sic)” Aside from politics, the film industry is one that is known for its dynasties. 

Rishi Kapoor, part of one of the biggest and most powerful film dynasties lasting four generations, spoke up against the politician, claiming that just a family backing is not enough, but that one needs to earn respect as well — just as he, Randhir, and Ranbir Kapoor all have. “In the 106 years of Indian cinema of India, the Kapoor’s contribution is 90 years. And each generation is chosen by public on merit,” he tweeted, adding, “You have to earn people’s respect and love through hard work not zabardasti and gundagardi. (sic)”

Rahul Gandhi

Dynastic monopolies are present in all fields in India. Even as the spotlight firmly shines on the Nehru dynasty in politics and the two Kapoor dynasties (Raj Kapoor and Surindher Kapoor) in films, it hardly ends there. In fields other than these, family power goes a long way. Just take the Supreme Court judges for instance, who are usually at such a high rung of the justice system because of family influence.

Rishi’s own son, Ranbir, admits freely that he is himself in the film industry thanks to his family’s influence. “I am here today because of my parents. My father got an opportunity because of his father so I would like to believe if my children choose to be actors I would like to give them a platform,” he says, adding that he believed that acting is simply the family business. “Yes, it is unfair to a lot of people who is way more talented than us but we do get opportunity, we do get attention,” he openly admits.

However, while family may get you in the door, it is merit that finally sees you through. This has been proved time and again in the film industry, says film historian S.M.M. Ausaja. “If you look at Ranbir Kapoor or Sonam Kapoor for that matter, they have managed to make it in the film industry due to their own merit. This is why Rishi Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor both did quite well while Rajiv Kapoor never managed to get that kind of fame. Hema Malini’s daughter, Ahana Deol, also couldn’t make it beyond a side role in one film (Na Tum Jaano Na Hum). If after coming from such big names, they couldn’t make it in the industry, then how can anyone else? Ultimately, all that family name is able to get you is a launch,” he says.

Kasthuri

Bobby Deol, who found it difficult to sustain a career in the film industry despite being from a film background, says that it is only hard work and grit that can see you through. “I don’t think there is any backing. When you are an actor you have to be professional and work hard and see to it you choose the right kind of films. I have never believed that star actors get a lot of benefit or a non-star actor gets less push I think both have to struggle and work hard and make a mark,” he says.

Despite being associated with India, dynastic politics and nepotism actually stretches across international borders, says Manushyaputhiran, a poet and a social thinker from Tamil Nadu. “The phenomenon of dynasty power or influence is not just restricted to India — didn’t we see George H. W. Bush’s son entering politics and eventually become the president in the US? Now coming back to Indian politics, you see Rahul Gandhi, but how many prime ministers have you seen, who came only because of family heritage —wasn’t there Manmohan Singh for instance?” he challenges. “I feel the term ‘dynasty’ or nepotism’ is often exaggerated. One has to be criticised or commented on, only for their functioning, contribution and nothing else,” he adds.

Ultimately, it is merit that sees you through, no matter the family backing, whether it is in films, politics or any other field, says actress, speaker and anchor Kasthuri. “Having a background definitely helps in getting a right opening in any profession, but when you are out there, you need to work for it and prove yourself. Privilege can get you position, but if you fail at your task, you will fall from great heights. And it is equally difficult for people who enter into any industry with a background. It is extremely difficult to successfully follow their ancestor’s footsteps. It doesn’t work well in such cases,” she signs off.