Did You Know Akshaye Khanna Once Said Nepotism Helped His Career?

Akshaye Khanna, the son of the late veteran actor Vinod Khanna, has offered a nuanced perspective on the topic of nepotism in Bollywood. While the debate around nepotism often sparks heated discussions, Akshaye Khanna has, on multiple occasions, shared a rather pragmatic and sensible viewpoint.

Khanna acknowledged that being the son of a well-known actor undoubtedly provided him with an initial advantage in gaining access to the film industry. In an interview, he stated that "wanting to be an actor and getting the opportunity are two different things". This suggests that while passion and talent are essential, having a family connection can open doors that might otherwise remain closed. He made his debut in the film "Himalay Putra" in 1997.

However, Khanna also emphasized that ultimately, an actor's success is determined by the audience's acceptance, regardless of their background. He argued that while nepotism might help someone get their foot in the door, it cannot guarantee stardom. According to him, the audience decides whether or not to accept an actor, and the film industry alone cannot make someone a star.

He has also given the example of star children like David Dhawan's son and Boney Kapoor's son, stating that the audience has accepted them. He added that many actors come and go, but the audience rejects some.

Akshaye Khanna's career has been marked by both critical acclaim and commercial success. After his debut, he starred in J.P. Dutta's war drama "Border" (1997), which was a significant hit. He won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut for his performance in the film. He went on to star in films like "Taal" (1999), "Dil Chahta Hai" (2001), "Hungama" (2003), and "Hulchul" (2004). In recent years, he has been lauded for his roles in "Section 375" (2019), "Drishyam 2" (2022), "Chhaava" (2025) and "Dhurandhar" (2025).

Akshaye Khanna's perspective provides a balanced view of nepotism, acknowledging its role in providing opportunities while also highlighting the importance of talent, hard work, and audience acceptance in shaping an actor's career.