Mumbai’s film circles are once again buzzing with the age-old debate on nepotism in Bollywood. Star kids often land plum roles and massive promotions with ease, while talented outsiders grind through endless auditions and rejections. Generations of acting dynasties have dominated the industry, from the Kapoors to the Bhatts.
Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, and Janhvi Kapoor have all tasted success, yet not every insider has struck gold. Meanwhile, several newcomers from outside the elite circles have voiced frustrations over scarce opportunities.
Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, known for his bold takes, stepped into the fray with a refreshing perspective. Using the simple analogy of a potter and his pot, he explained when nepotism crosses from beneficial to toxic.
In a candid interview, Agnihotri argued that nepotism isn’t inherently wrong. ‘If a doctor’s son becomes a doctor, a teacher’s child follows suit, or a craftsman’s heir masters the trade, what’s the harm?’ he posited. He drew parallels to a skilled potter passing the craft to his son, who excels at shaping perfect pots.
However, Agnihotri drew a clear line. Nepotism turns poisonous when family ties override talent. ‘The real issue arises when the potter’s son can’t make a pot to save his life,’ he said. ‘Every attempt ends in shards, yet he’s handed the wheel while more capable artisans wait in line. Resources pour into the unqualified heir, sidelining true merit.’
This nuanced view challenges the black-and-white narrative dominating Bollywood discourse. Agnihotri’s words urge the industry to prioritize skill over surnames, ensuring a level playing field where talent thrives regardless of lineage.
As debates rage on, his analogy offers a grounded lens: nurture family legacies, but never at the expense of excellence. Bollywood’s future may hinge on balancing tradition with true ability.