Nepotism 2.0: Has Bollywood Changed or Remained the Same?: Nepotism in Bollywood has been one of the most debated and disputable topics in the Indian film industry.

The term gained widespread attention after actor Kangana Ranaut openly criticized the industry’s favoritism towards star kids on a popular talk show in 2017. Since then, audiences have become more vocal about the advantages given to actors with film industry backgrounds.

With the rise of social media, digital content platforms, and growing audience awareness, the question arises—has Bollywood changed, or does nepotism continue to dominate under a new likeness? This article explores how nepotism has evolved, its impact on the industry, and whether genuine talent can still thrive in Bollywood.

Nepotism in Bollywood

Nepotism refers to the favoritism granted to family members, particularly in professions where public recognition is significant. In Bollywood, this manifests when directors, producers, or actors with influence provide opportunities to their relatives or close associates over outsiders, regardless of talent or merit.

The trend of actors coming from established film families is not new. From the Kapoor dynasty to the Bhatt, Khan, and Chopra families, Bollywood has long been a breeding ground for industry insiders.

While some star kids, like Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, have successfully established themselves with their talent, others have received opportunities despite delivering multiple flops, raising questions about the fairness of the industry.

Nepotism 2.0

Over the past decade, Bollywood has experienced significant changes in its audience’s expectations and the way films are consumed. The old format of nepotism has evolved into what can be termed as Nepotism 2.0, which is more sophisticated, subtle, and even more resilient in maintaining the status quo.

1. The Influence of Social Media

Earlier, audiences had limited ways to express their opinions. With the advent of social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit, the public can now hold Bollywood accountable.

The #BoycottBollywood movement gained momentum after Sushant Singh Rajput’s tragic demise in 2020, with many blaming the industry for sidelining genuine talent. This led to increased scrutiny on the star kids, forcing them to work harder to gain public approval.

2. Bollywood’s Control Over Digital Platforms

With OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar becoming mainstream, one would assume that independent, outsider-driven projects would get a fair chance. However, major production houses have adapted by gaining control over these platforms as well.

Star kids are now launched in big-budget OTT series, often sidelining deserving newcomers. The influence of big studios ensures that nepotistic practices continue even in the digital space.

3. The PR Machinery and Image Building

In the past, a star kid would be launched with aggressive promotions and interviews in film magazines. Today, the PR machinery is much more sophisticated. Star kids are carefully trained in public relations, social media engagement, and image building.

They are often associated with viral trends, fashion statements, and strategic brand endorsements before their film debut, ensuring they remain relevant despite audience resistance.

4. The ‘New Outsider’ Strategy

To counter nepotism accusations, Bollywood has started adopting a “new outsider” strategy. Some production houses introduce fresh faces that appear to be outsiders but have indirect industry connections.

For example, some newcomers may have influential family friends, distant industry relations, or backing from major producers without a direct last-name advantage. This tactic creates an illusion of meritocracy while maintaining industry control.

Does Merit Still Have a Place?

Despite nepotism’s stronghold, Bollywood has seen the rise of true talent. Several self-made actors have broken through the nepotistic barriers and achieved success purely on the basis of their performances. Here are a few examples:

• Nawazuddin Siddiqui – An actor who struggled for over a decade before gaining recognition through utter hard work and talent.

• Rajkummar Rao – Despite no industry background, he has carved a niche with powerful performances.

• Pankaj Tripathi – His journey from small-town Bihar to Bollywood’s most sought-after character actor is inspiring.

• Taapsee Pannu – A former software engineer who proved her acting skills and is now one of the most respected actresses.

• Vicky Kaushal – The son of an action director but without any direct acting lineage, he established himself through unconventional roles and raw performances.

These actors have proved that talent can shine through, but their journeys have been significantly more difficult than those born into film families.

The Audience’s Role in Changing Bollywood

One of the biggest shifts in recent years has been the increasing power of the audience in shaping Bollywood’s future. With changing preferences, audiences are demanding more meaningful cinema and rejecting films with weak scripts, even if they feature star kids.

This is evident from the poor performance of several high-budget Bollywood films starring industry insiders, while well-made, content-driven films with talented actors have gained popularity.

For instance:

• Movies like Brahmāstra and Liger, despite being hyped star-kid films, failed to meet audience expectations and received criticism.

• Films like Kantara, Tumbbad, and Article 15, featuring outsiders, won appreciation purely on the merit of storytelling and performances.

• OTT series like Sacred Games, Paatal Lok, and Mirzapur have given rise to actors who might have never had a chance in mainstream Bollywood.

The audience is no longer blindly accepting star power. Instead, they are investing in quality content, forcing Bollywood to rethink its casting and production strategies.

The Future of Nepotism in Bollywood

The fight against nepotism is far from over, but Bollywood is at a crossroads. With increased transparency, social media scrutiny, and audience demands for quality content, the industry is being forced to evolve.

However, nepotism will not disappear entirely; it will only transform into more subtle forms.

Possible Future Scenarios:

1. More Outsiders Breaking Through – With the audience’s growing preference for authentic performances, we may see more self-made actors making their way into mainstream Bollywood.

2. Hybrid Casting – Production houses might opt for a balance of star kids and outsiders to maintain credibility and box office appeal.

3. OTT’s Expanding Influence – Digital platforms will continue to offer opportunities to new talent, reducing Bollywood’s monopoly over casting.

4. More Experimental Cinema – With storytelling taking precedence over star power, filmmakers might take risks with newer faces and unconventional narratives.

5. Stronger Public Backlash – Any blatant display of favoritism may face severe backlash, forcing filmmakers to be more mindful in their casting choices.

Nepotism 2.0 in Bollywood is not about blatant favoritism but a more refined, strategic control over the industry. While it may not be completely eradicated, the rise of talented outsiders, audience awareness, and the shift towards content-driven cinema have challenged its dominance.

The future of Bollywood depends on whether it embraces true talent or continues to rely on legacy names. Ultimately, the power lies in the hands of the audience—by supporting quality films and genuine talent, they can shape a more inclusive and merit-based Bollywood.

Only time will tell whether Bollywood will truly change or find newer ways to uphold its age-old traditions. Until then, the battle between nepotism and meritocracy rages on.