Nepotism has become the debate of the Hindi Film industry and it all began with Kangana Ranaut’s spark on the subject on the talk show, Koffee with Karan. Last month Ranbir Kapoor made a public statement acknowledging the existence of nepotism in the industry. The topic received much criticism and almost every actor in the industry has his own opinion. At the IIFA 2017 in New York City, actors Saif Ali Khan and Varun Dhawan and filmmaker Karan Johar sparked the debate again with their quick comments and wit.
The whole debate started when actor Kangana Ranaut called Karan Johar the ‘flagbearer of nepotism’ on the chat show, Koffee with Karan. Saif Ali Khan and Karan Johar hosted this year’s gala and when Varun Dhawan came up on stage at the Metlife Stadium in New York City, Saif Ali Khan brought up the topic quipping at Dhawan that he was at that stage because of his father, director David Dhawan.
Varun Dhawan quickly responded that Saif was at that stage because of his mother, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore. Karan joined in the joke quickly declaring that he was at the stage because of his father, late filmmaker Yash Johar. They went on to hail nepotism then in unison.
In an attempt to take a shot at Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan reminded Karan of the song in one of his movies, ‘Bole chudiyaan, Bole Kangana’, an allegory to remind Karan where it all started when Kangana Ranaut spoke out about the issue. Karan replied in an exasperated voice that it is better if Kangana doesn’t say anything as she talks a lot.
In a podcast with All India Bakchod, Ranbir Kapoor first acknowledged the existence of nepotism, then later complained that because of it, many actors’ talent and acting in a role is overshadowed by the surname they have.
