Kiran Rao Discusses Nepotism: Star Kids vs. Outsiders in Film Industry

The ongoing discourse surrounding the cost of film crews has captured the attention of the Hindi film industry. Director Kiran Rao has spoken candidly about the significant expenses associated with production teams, noting that this financial burden often leads her to cast newcomers. She recently introduced three fresh faces—actors Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Shrivastava—in her film, Laapataa Ladies, emphasizing their lack of preconceived notions.

“They seamlessly fit the mold of an independent film,” Rao explained. Despite increasing budgets over the years, her filmmaking style remains grounded in independence, promoting equal treatment on set and minimizing waste.

Having introduced these newcomers, Rao compared their journeys with that of her ex-husband Aamir Khan’s son, Junaid Khan, who is also debuting around the same time. She noted how ‘nepo kids’ harbor an unavoidable weight of expectations. “They enter the industry with a certain history that cannot be overlooked,” she remarked, expressing empathy for the unique hurdles faced by both groups.

Kiran elaborated on the contrasting paths of star kids and outsiders. “New actors are judged on their individual merits. They grow organically with the audience, while ‘nepo kids’ face a different set of evaluations and anticipations,” she stated. She believes that although both have their challenges, the obstacles differ fundamentally.

When asked about the opportunities for outsiders versus star kids in the current landscape, Rao agreed that outsiders often find it easier to break through. “Today’s audience is eager to discover talent on their own terms, rather than just accepting established names,” she emphasized.

However, she also pointed out a critical shift in the industry: “The traditional notion of stardom is fading. Stars are emerging from diverse backgrounds, including social media platforms and independent projects. This change in perception signifies a transformation in what it means to be a star today,” she concluded.