So, the biggest question that arises out of the situation is pretty simple: Is it right to prefer Bollywood stars over the outsiders?
By all means, being an actor is all about talent and hard work but, having said that, it is also about getting a break in a movie or another chance to prove your calibre.
If you’re a star kid, you will have an easy entry. You would be launched by a well-known director and your movie will definitely get a lot of publicity. All in all, the stage will be set. No pre-movie struggle. But things will be thrice more challenging and difficult if you are new. Getting selected for a movie is more difficult and the hurdles behind it are never shown anywhere. Also, if you mess the first time, your chances to get one more opportunity will be thin, too. Oh, and what about all the casting couch issues and the dark side of industry which swallow many struggling actors?
Of course, this is not the case with star kids because they are protected from the hardships of the industry.
Sonam Kapoor’s initial movies were tagged flop and not much appreciation was given to her acting skills. Be it her debut film, Saawariya, which was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali or Delhi 6, nothing worked for her. Yet, she was casted again and again and worked for famous filmmakers which finally resulted in her being a part of a successful movie after years of trial and error method. I Hate Luv Storys was a turning point in her career and with Raanjhanaa, she won many nominations. But, would all this have been possible if she was not Anil Kapoor’s daughter? Had she been a part of Neerja, one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films featuring a female protagonist after giving back to back flop movies?
The answer is plain and simple NO. You can’t expect filmmakers to be at your mercy when you’re not giving those hits and money they recruited you for.
Not only Sonam Kapoor, this is the case with a lot of star kids. I do not vehemently hate them but, of course, the different treatment given to them would irk anyone. Yes, some star kids have proved their metal. Ranbir Kapoor being one of them. He has proved over and over that he deserves to be a part of the industry.
Over the years, we have seen many outsiders earn name and fame in the industry. No one gets to stay longer in the business if they’re not living up to filmmakers’ expectations. Amrita Rao turned to television for a reason, after all.
Truth be told, the discrimination that prevails in the industry will only downsize it. Give the chance to those who really deserve it. Your family name should not influence the decision of the filmmakers.
It’s unfair!
Written by Priyanka Chauhan
A bibliophile and an aspiring writer who lives with a dream to travel the world.