Producer Boney Kapoor is facing online criticism after claiming that his daughter, Khushi Kapoor, secured a 100% scholarship to the New York Film Academy (NYFA) based solely on her acting audition. The statement, made during an interview on the "Game Changers" YouTube channel, has sparked debate and skepticism among social media users, particularly on platforms like Reddit.
Kapoor stated that Khushi's admission to the prestigious film school was entirely merit-based, with the academy offering her a full scholarship after reviewing her audition tape. He emphasized that he did not have to pay any fees for her education at NYFA. "You know, Khushi was admitted to this New York Film Academy on scholarship. I didn't have to pay the fees," Kapoor said. He further clarified, "You send your audition to decide whether you can be admitted or not, and she was offered a scholarship".
However, this claim has been met with considerable doubt and mockery online. Many social media users are questioning whether Khushi's acting abilities, as showcased in her debut film "The Archies" (2023) and subsequent projects like "Nadaaniyan" and "Loveyapa," justify the assertion of a merit-based scholarship. Some comments on Reddit express disbelief, with users suggesting that Khushi's performances do not reflect the talent needed to earn such a scholarship. One user sarcastically commented, "Not even a single cell in her body has an ability to act. Scholarship is too far fetched lol". Another user implied that Sridevi's acting might have been mistakenly attributed to Khushi, leading to the scholarship offer.
Khushi Kapoor's acting career began with Zoya Akhtar's "The Archies," where she starred alongside other star kids like Suhana Khan (daughter of Shah Rukh Khan) and Agastya Nanda (grandson of Amitabh Bachchan). While she has expressed a growing comfort and confidence in her acting abilities, her performances have received mixed reviews, leading to online trolling. In an interview with Bombay Times, Khushi addressed online criticism, stating, "You can tell when you, read something or you speak to someone what they mean by what they say. I think it's important to take constructive criticism. And if something's not really helping you, I don't think there's any point listening to it". She also mentioned that she feels she has more of a voice now that she has done three films and can express her ideas and thoughts a bit more.
Despite the trolling and skepticism, some observers believe that Khushi's early career shows promise, and her dedication to her craft might lead to improvement over time. Only time will tell whether she silences her critics and lives up to the expectations set by the scholarship.
Boney Kapoor's remarks have reignited the ongoing debate about nepotism and privilege in Bollywood. While Khushi Kapoor has the opportunity to establish herself, the online reaction highlights the challenges faced by star kids in proving their talent and merit in a highly competitive industry.
