Janhvi Kapoor, daughter of the late actress Sridevi and producer Boney Kapoor, has frequently addressed the topic of nepotism in Bollywood, acknowledging the privileges she has received while also striving to prove her own merit. While promoting her film 'Mr. and Mrs. Mahi', Janhvi jokingly alluded to benefiting from nepotism during a school choir incident.
Kapoor has spoken candidly about the challenges and emotional toll of being labeled a "nepo-baby". She recognizes the "unfair advantage" she had entering Bollywood due to her family, admitting in an interview with Aaj Tak that she can't "run away from that truth". Despite acknowledging her privilege, Kapoor has consistently emphasized her hard work and dedication to her craft. She finds it "hurtful" when anonymous individuals online dismiss her efforts with comments like "acting nahi aati toh kyun karti ho, nepotism ki bachchi?".
In a 2023 interview with Harper's Bazaar India, Kapoor discussed dealing with criticism and the "nepotism ki bacchi" remarks. She noted how quickly her efforts could be diminished by a single comment. However, she also expressed resilience, recognizing that some people seek to diminish the happiness of others.
Kapoor has learned to discern the motivations behind opinions and the influence of clickbait headlines. She emphasizes the importance of constructive feedback, stating that she respects suggestions on how to improve her performance. She differentiates between those who offer genuine criticism and those who simply aim to spread negativity.
The debate around nepotism intensified following the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, which fueled narratives about the role of nepotism in the film industry. Kapoor's film "Gunjan Saxena" was released during this period and faced significant backlash, regardless of its quality.
Despite the challenges, Kapoor has persevered, delivering acclaimed performances in films like "Good Luck Jerry" and "Mili". She acknowledges her strengths and weaknesses, striving to improve her craft and prove her capabilities as an actress. While the "nepo tag" may continue to follow her, Kapoor remains focused on her work, hoping to eventually transcend the label and be recognized for her talent.