Kriti Sanon, Bollywood’s self-made queen, is stirring the pot by suggesting that the nepotism debate in the industry isn’t just the fault of star kids or producers. Instead, it’s the media and the audience that are equally to blame. In a candid discussion at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Kriti called out the toxic cycle of nepotism, claiming the industry only gives the audience what it craves.
According to her, “The industry is not so much responsible for nepotism. It’s also the media and the audience.” She went on to explain that because the media constantly hypes star kids, the audience becomes obsessed, and the industry, in turn, caters to their interest. It’s a vicious cycle where demand dictates the supply, and it seems Kriti’s calling out both sides of the game.
But here’s the kicker: Kriti’s defense of the industry is seen by many as a thinly veiled shot at the outsiders who’ve had to fight tooth and nail to make a name in Bollywood. She insists that if you’re talented, you’ll rise above the nepotism, but for many, this isn’t the reality. “If you’re not talented, you won’t make it. The audience is not going to connect with you,” Kriti says, which is bound to strike a nerve with many who argue that talent alone isn’t enough when you’re constantly overshadowed by industry insiders.
The Heropanti actress also acknowledged the struggles of outsiders in the industry, saying, “It takes time when you don’t belong to a film family. You don’t get those magazine covers, those big opportunities straight away.” But she then added, “After 2-3 films, if you keep working hard, nothing can stop you.” Is this a subtle dismissal of the struggles faced by those who’ve been in the game for decades but can’t seem to break into the A-list?
Kriti, who has skyrocketed to success with films like Dilwale and Bareilly Ki Barfi, has now entered the production game with her debut project Do Patti. But her remarks on nepotism have already sparked a storm, with many questioning whether she’s dismissing the harsh reality faced by many outsiders in the industry, while conveniently overlooking how the system tends to favour those with Bollywood connections.
Is Kriti’s perspective valid, or is it just another star defending a flawed system? One thing’s for sure — her comments have certainly got people talking.