Karan Johar voices his opinion on nepotism

There has been a controversy in Bollywood regarding launching star children for ages. And the name that is repeatedly mentioned at the center of this controversy is Karan Johar. He has made star kids one after another celebrities in Bollywood under the Dharma Productions banner. From Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor, Shanaya Kapoor to the latest Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor—Karnan has had a significant role in the beginning of every one of their careers. Therefore, he has been branded as a facilitator of "nepotism" numerous times. In his recent interview, Karan spoke openly about this. He explained why he offers chances to star kids and will keep offering them in the future.

Karnan has directed a film quite recently named Nadania, in which two star kids—Saif Ali Khan's son Ibrahim Ali Khan and Sridevi's daughter Khushi Kapoor—were featured in the main roles. Though a film by a celebrated director like Karn, it did not leave any impact on the audience. Criticisms have been severe, ranging from the content of the movie to acting. Ibrahim and Khushi have received the greatest criticism for their inability to win over the hearts of viewers with their very first movie. The criticism arrow has also hit Karn. As per a section of the audience, Karn is giving chances to star kids alone, there is no scope for talented but outsiders.

Rebutting all these accusations, Karn stated that now there has been a trend wherein one hates a movie on purpose, simply to enhance social media engagement. There have been so many trolling, comments and videos on Nadania that it has generated a negative environment towards the film. As he said, "Now it is cool to hate. The more you troll a film, the more engagement you get. People love to abuse star kids. But I don't care about all this. I am ready to move forward."

Karan also stated that there are many who discuss his production house Dharma Films or movies he produces, but if someone else does the same thing, nobody takes a second look. As per him, there is one-sided resentment surrounding him. But he is not disheartened, instead, is sure. He openly declares, "As long as I see the talent of a star kid, I will launch him. That is my choice, and I am not ashamed of it." Here, he cites an example of Alia Bhatt. Karan stated that it is absolutely illogical to label her as a 'Nepo kid' simply because she is the daughter of Mahesh Bhatt. Alia earned her space by her own hard work and talent in acting. He stated, "If you see Highway or Udta Punjab, you will realize how good an actress she is. It is not fair to deprive her of her talent."

Karan also mentioned that he does not make anyone work under pressure, but offers chances to only star kids who approach him and whom he feels are talented. He also mentioned, "If I can provide an opportunity to someone and I feel that they deserve it, then I will provide them with an opportunity. Whether they are a star kid or not."

While Karn's comment may not be palatable to most, he does not waver in his stance. He feels that raw talent should be given a break. And despising someone merely because they are a star kid is irrational and unjust.

Karn has lost faith in the entire episode. Instead, he interprets this criticism as a part of his work life. In his opinion, it is not possible to make all people happy in Bollywood. "If everybody hates me, then thank you. But I don't think I deserved it," Karn stated.

He wished to communicate during this interview that even though nepotism is an authentic concern in Bollywood, it is not appropriate to troll or spread hatred intensely. Each star kid must struggle to establish his niche and success is never simple.

Karan Johar's remark has certainly given a new turn to the discourse around nepotism.

He has been very clear about his stance without any hesitation and has expressed that he will provide opportunities to starkids in the future too. But the audience will decide finally—whether it is a new face or a starkid, if only his work touches hearts, then he will make it in this competitive world. And that is what Karan wanted to express too—he can provide opportunities, but he must succeed on his own.