As films like Saiyaara and Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan are set to release in the upcoming weeks, conversations around Bollywood’s nepotism have resurfaced once again, sparked by these movies launching new star kids.
Saiyaara will mark the debut of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, while Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan will introduce Shanaya Kapoor.
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Over the last few months, Bollywood has seen more star kids debut than actors from non-film backgrounds, raising concerns among audiences.
Many have pointed out that today’s nepo kids seem to share the same style, with little individuality, unlike previous generations of star kids like Kareena Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, Kajol, Raveena Tandon, Ajay Devgn, or Shahid Kapoor.
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None of the current newcomers appear to have a unique fashion sense or screen presence that makes them stand out from the crowd.
Critics also argue that despite receiving acting degrees from renowned institutions and being trained by top coaches, these new faces lack the spark it takes to become the next big star.
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Veteran actors have honed their craft for years, and even non-nepo actors have sharpened their skills through theatre and grassroots work. In contrast, many of today’s newcomers lack that experience and it shows.
Earlier, actors brought something unique to the table, be it martial arts, classical dance, or raw emotional depth. Today, most debutants have little to offer beyond their family name.
Viewers have also noted that these star kids come from elite, privileged backgrounds, which often reflects in the kinds of roles they choose like urban, upper-middle-class stories that alienate a large section of the audience.
Grounded narratives from rural India are becoming rarer. And when such stories are made, they often feel like half-baked attempts to repair image or gain credibility.
While some nepo kids like Zahan Kapoor are being appreciated for their craft and humility, such examples are far too few to make a real difference in an already oversaturated industry.
If Bollywood continues to rely on underseasoned star kids, it may well be paving its way toward creative stagnation and possibly doomsday.
