Editorials

6 Biggest Success Stories of Nepotism in Bollywood

Bollywood and nepotism go hand-in-hand or at least “some” celebrities (you-know-who) think so! The discussion about nepotism in Bollywood started doing the rounds post-2017, and since then it is a never-ending discussion. There is no doubt that nepotism exists in this field as well, but, we cannot deny the fact that it gave us few dazzling and powerful actors. These Bollywood actors have proven that they are famous not only because of their lineage, but, also because of their brilliant performances. When they are on the screen, the audiences can not stop admiring them. Here is a list of dual-threat actors who have famous parents and acting talent. Presenting the 6 Biggest Success Stories of Nepotism in Bollywood.

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Abhay Deol

Abhay Deol is an actor with drool-worthy rawness and unconventional looks. His career choices have always been different and notice-worthy. Socha Na Tha, Chakravyuh, Shanghai are some of the movies which were tough to choose but he preferred them over casual rom-coms. Small budget cinema and content-driven movies have forever been the flavor for this talented actor. Dev. D, Anurag Kashyap and Abhay Deol was the trio we always needed. He is the Devdas of our age.

Mumbai … suna tha aadmi yahan poori zindagi apni kismat slow track se fast track laane mein nikaal deta hai! – Ek Chalis Ki Last Local

His success is largely due to his understanding of his caliber as an actor. He knows the kind of roles he can pull off and therefore chooses them wisely. His face and expressions do a lot of speaking for him. He may not be doing many new projects these days but his audience are dying to watch him perform on screen – as evidenced by the success of Netflix’s Chopsticks.


Alia Bhatt

At this point in time, we can easily consider Alia Bhatt as one of the finest actors in Bollywood. She is on a spree of delivering content-driven, amazing movies since her second movie, Highway. How can one even forget her spine-chilling monologue from that movie?

Aaj chocolate nahin laye Shukla tayaji? Kahan denge? Yahan ya bathroom mein? – Highway

Highway wouldn’t have the same impact without the soul-stirring performance by her. Her splendid performances in Dear Zindagi, Raazi, and Udta Punjab have earned her several accolades and placed her name in the list of finest actors. For me, she is undoubtedly one of the best and the most relatable performers on screen.


Ranbir Kapoor

This list is incomplete without mentioning Ranbir Kapoor’s name. An actor from the Kapoor clan, acting is in his genes. With a blunder for his debut to a superstar of our generation, he has come a long way. In the aftermath of Saawariya, audiences and critics questioned his acting skills. However, he proved everyone wrong with his splendid portrayal of Jordan in Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar. I am still grateful for him for changing the lives of many Ved(s) because:

Heer Liye Dil Main Aur Heer Khoje Virane Main! – Tamasha

From Ved to Bunny in Yeh Jaawani Hai Deewani, from Murphy to Sanju, Ranbir Kapoor has given us many characters that are engraved deep in my heart. Nepotism surely gave us a brilliant actor in him. Also, Sanju would not have been a super hit movie if it wasn’t for him.


Hrithik Roshan

Name any one person who wasn’t a fan of Hrithik Kapoor at one point in time or another. From being a Greek God to dancing and acting – he had aced it all. His debut in 2000 came at a time when Khans reigned supreme in Bollywood and yet the blockbuster phenomenon that was Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai gave him a dream start. This movie made him the only actor to win both, Filmfare Awards for Best Debut and Best Actor in the same year. From his blockbuster entry through Kaho Na Pyar Hai to now, he has always found love from the audience.

Life bahut choti hai doston … par dil se jiyo toh bahut hai … so go on break the rules, forgive quickly, love truly and never regret anything that made you smile! – Guzaarish

Roshan is unquestionably the best dancer in Bollywood, and no one can forget that he is the first superhero (Krishh) ever created by the Indian Cinema. With remarkable double roles in Koi Mil Gaya and Krishh, he proved his mettle. He has played various roles in his career but his portrayal of Ethan, a paralyzed magician in Guzaarish, will forever be my favorite. His upcoming movie Super 30 is releasing after a long wait and several rescheduling. I hope he seizes his position in top actors list yet again with his latest venture.


Varun Dhawan

Varun Dhawan as David Dhawan’s son got his launch courtesy of the so-called “factory of nepotism” – Dharma Productions – in Student of the Year. He rose to prominence with starring roles in the romantic comedies, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya, and Main Tera Hero. Then three of his movies released in a single year and with them he proved that he can dance (ABCD 2), act (Badlapur) and has terrific comic timing (Dilwale) and established him among the best young talents.

Log kehte hai apne dushman ko maaf kar dena chahiye … main bhi yahi maanta hoon … lekin unhe tadpa tadpake maarne ke baad! – Badlapur

His character in October, of an aimless man coping with the loss of a loved one, is one of the best roles he has ever played. The pain in his eyes, the choice of the script and his acting skills were all on point. With marvelous acting talent, good looks, and dancing skills, Varun will surely go a long way.


Konkona Sen Sharma

Konkona Sen Sharma is one of the boldest actresses we have had the pleasure of watching over the years. Her mother was an actress known for her work in Bengali Cinema. A triple threat, Konkona is an actress, a writer, and a director. She tried to push the boundaries of what a typical actress should do with her choice of movies. Appearing primarily in Indian art house and independent films, her achievements in the genre have established her as one of the leading actresses of contemporary parallel cinema.

Goals paane ki khushi tabhi mehsoos hoti hai … jab usse kisi ke saath share kar sako! – Wake Up Sid!

She has two National Film Awards under her name for the mesmerizing performances in Mr. and Mrs. Iyer and Omkara. Her performance in Lipstick Under My Burkha earned her a lot of critical acclaim. I can never forget the goosebumps I had after watching 15 Park Avenue, her acting and storyline were both brilliant. Even her debut as a director, Death In The Gunj was successful. She is truly a gem of Indian Cinema.


We would love to hear what you think of the list. Please tell us in the comments below!

Aditi Parikh

Aditi is yet another artist stuck in the body of an IT professional. Books, dark humor and twisted stories. Her life revolves around it, and some might even say that she's blunt, and even agree that she is the fakest real person they have ever met. She is loving and exploring the unexplored side of cinema and hopes that people will watch through her eyes.

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