Karan Johar has once again found himself at the center of the nepotism debate in Bollywood, this time while defending Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor. The filmmaker, known for launching the careers of several star kids, has asserted that the young actors are indeed "made for this industry." His comments come amidst a wave of criticism directed towards the duo's recent project, "Nadaaniyan," a romantic comedy that premiered on Netflix.
"Nadaaniyan," directed by Shauna Gautam, marked Ibrahim Ali Khan's official Bollywood debut and featured Khushi Kapoor in a prominent role. However, upon its release, the film was met with largely negative reviews. Critics and audiences alike panned the movie for its weak plot, cringe-worthy dialogues, and perceived lack of chemistry between the leads. This led to significant online trolling and criticism aimed specifically at Ibrahim and Khushi, reigniting the ever-present debate about nepotism in the Hindi film industry.
Johar, in a recent interview, addressed the backlash head-on. He acknowledged the criticism leveled against "Nadaaniyan" and the young actors but defended their presence in the industry. He argued that individuals from film families often possess an inherent understanding and passion for cinema, making them well-suited for Bollywood. He pointed out that talent and hard work are ultimately what determine an actor's success, regardless of their background.
This isn't the first time Johar has spoken about the topic of nepotism. He has faced accusations of favoring star kids throughout his career, particularly after launching the careers of Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, and Ananya Panday, among others. In previous interviews, he has expressed frustration with being labeled the "flag-bearer of nepotism," arguing that talent and hard work are the primary factors he considers when casting actors. He has also highlighted instances where he has supported and launched the careers of individuals with no prior connections to the film industry.
Furthermore, Johar has, in the past, challenged the media's role in perpetuating the nepotism narrative. He argued that the media often focuses heavily on star kids, creating a celebrity culture around them, and then criticizes them for benefiting from nepotism. He suggested that the media should instead focus on talent and performance, regardless of an actor's background.
Khushi Kapoor, daughter of Sridevi and Boney Kapoor, made her acting debut in Zoya Akhtar's "The Archies" (2023) before appearing in "Nadaaniyan". She has also starred in "Loveyapa". Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, has been in the public eye since childhood but only recently made his official entry into Bollywood with "Nadaaniyan".
Despite the criticism surrounding "Nadaaniyan", some industry insiders have come out in support of Ibrahim and Khushi. Some have called out the harsh treatment of newcomers, emphasizing that everyone deserves a fair chance to prove their mettle.
As the debate surrounding nepotism continues to simmer in Bollywood, Karan Johar's recent defense of Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor serves as a reminder of the complexities and nuances of the issue. While acknowledging the advantages that star kids may have, he maintains that talent, hard work, and passion are ultimately the keys to success in the film industry.
