Director’s Sensible Take: Nepo Bias or Real Talent?

Another nepotism-backed artist is set to enter the industry with Santosh Singh’s Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan. The film is set to launch actress Shanaya Kapoor, and will also mark the theatrical debut of director Santosh Singh.

Launching a star kid always comes with its fair share of trolling around nepotism. However, Santosh addressed this and shared that Shanaya was chosen based on merit, not just her privilege.

Recalling how he first met her after being impressed by her test tape, the director said she had prepared and auditioned for a particularly difficult scene, and he found her to be good.

He also mentioned that they did workshops with her for three to four months, and that she is currently training with an acting coach.

He believes that as long as someone works hard and gives their hundred per cent, it doesn’t matter where they come from.

Earlier this year, Loveyapa featured two more star kids, Khushi Kapoor and Junaid Khan, and that film, too, faced a lot of trolling.

In relation to that, Santosh spoke about how he liked the film and believed it flopped mainly because of the hate it received for starring “nepo kids.” He felt it was unfair to judge actors without watching their work, simply because their path into the industry was easier than others’.

Fans, however, debated that Loveyapa was trolled because it wasn’t made well, not just because it featured star kids. The audience, they argued, gives credit where it’s due, and it has little to do with nepotism.

That said, many feel that Shanaya’s glimpses in the teaser look more promising than several other star kids, and fans are hopeful she will deliver something good.

Only time will tell if she matches or even exceeds these expectations.