Soni Razdan, the veteran actress and mother of Alia Bhatt, has delved into a discussion about nepotism in Bollywood following a viral post on Instagram.
Reacting to the post that sparked conversations on social media, Razdan offered her insights, highlighting the pressures faced by star kids and their talent.
The post by Freddy Birdy, revolving around the subject of nepotism, caught attention across social media platforms. In response, Razdan engaged with netizens, expressing her perspective on the issue and acknowledging the talent of star kids like Ananya Panday, Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, and Janhvi Kapoor.
"The people who moan on and on social media about nepotism are people whose parents had careers they would want to stay a million miles away from," wrote Freddy Birdy.
Razdan pondered the notion of children having the freedom to opt out of their parent's profession, comparing it to dentists' children not facing criticism for pursuing dentistry. She reflected on her own journey as an outsider trying to break into the industry, emphasising the need to accept the challenges that come with a chosen profession.
"Does a child have the first right of refusal to a parent’s profession? Dentists' children never seem to get any flack for becoming dentists … also I totally get the feeling. I was an outsider too trying to break in. Wisest words I ever heard were - the world doesn’t owe you a living. If you can’t deal with what it entails, find another profession," she wrote.
Addressing a comment comparing 'nepo dentists' and 'nepo actors,' Razdan highlighted the audience's pivotal role in the film industry, asserting that the viewers ultimately decide an actor's fate in the industry. She stressed that while doors might open due to connections, sustained success hinges on talent and audience reception.
Responding to a social media user's comparison between becoming a dentist and an actor, Razdan outlined the challenges actors face, including numerous rejections, harsh criticisms, and the demanding nature of the profession. She emphasised the industry's difficulty level and the need to navigate these hurdles.
She also admitted that it’s tough to see someone get a role that you could have done better
Razdan acknowledged the pressure on star kids, acknowledging the weight of expectations and the challenges of competing for roles in the industry. She acknowledged the competitive environment and the difficulty in witnessing others land coveted roles. She also highlighted not getting to success without inherent talent.
When asked about her opinion on the talent of star kids, Razdan expressed her belief in their abilities and praised the emergence of OTT platforms for providing expanded opportunities to a wider spectrum of actors.