Nepotism in Film Industry – What is the fuss all about

nepotism
noun
the practice among those with power or influence of favouring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs.

The tragic demise of Sushant Singh Rajput has ignited a nationwide conversation on the infamous “N” word in the film industry – ‘Nepotism.’ Sushant’s inspiring journey from a background dancer to a Bollywood superstar serves as a beacon for aspiring talents from small towns across the nation. While the circumstances surrounding his death await investigation, the public response, fueled by platforms like TikTok, poorly shot YouTube videos, and Twitter, has transformed the entire nation into self-appointed judges, juries, and executioners.

Unmasking Nepotism: A Nation’s Hypocrisy and the Sushant Singh Rajput Tragedy

Ironically, the same individuals engaged in trolling the film fraternity often overlooked quality productions like “Sonchiriya” while eagerly clicking on notifications for ‘Cute Taimur Pics.’ Amid a rising number of COVID-19 cases, border violations, and extra-judicial deaths, the nation found time to criticize the cinema industry with grammatically incorrect and aesthetically unpleasant comments. Suddenly, reviewers were labeled ‘paid,’ producers became ‘criminals,’ and stars were deemed ‘complicit.’ Logic and common sense seemed abandoned, replaced by a pandemic of directionless hatred.

Nepotism and Family Values: Unraveling Realities in the Film Industry

The concept of nepotism, favoring one’s family members, is intrinsic to the fundamental building block of Family itself. Parents, irrespective of their background, strive to secure their children’s future. Whether a poor farmer or a top industrialist, this pattern repeats across society. The film industry is no exception, yet unrealistic expectations often lead to unwarranted outrage.

Those criticizing the cinema industry must introspect: How many would forgo their inheritance for their neighbor? Is the insurance policy naming the house help as the nominee, despite her potential talent, a common practice? Hypocrisy prevails in a nation where celebrities are held to a higher standard of behavior.

Navigating Nepotism: A Deeper Dive into Bollywood Dynamics

In the labyrinth of Bollywood dynamics, the contentious topic of nepotism often takes center stage. The question arises: If a star has earned his place at the pinnacle of the industry, is it not natural for him to extend a helping hand to his offspring? Ethically and morally, there seems to be no dilemma in this practice. Ultimately, the audience holds the key to success, determining the fate of any individual in the film industry.

Profit Trumps Legacy: The Pragmatism of Film Industry Investments

Had the audience propelled movies like “Sonchiriya” to blockbuster status, every producer would be vying for a chance to collaborate with Sushant Singh Rajput. Profit stands as the paramount factor in any industry, and producers are pragmatic in their decisions. No one would invest in a star’s child if previous movies failed to resonate with the audience. The industry offers numerous examples of celebrity offspring struggling to find success, reinforcing the notion that success is not guaranteed solely based on lineage.

Bollywood’s Evolution: From Storytelling to Celebrity Worship

Cinema, fundamentally a storytelling medium, has witnessed a shift where actors were once revered as storytellers. However, the focus has now shifted to the creation of STARS out of actors, fostering a culture of celebrity worship. The cut-outs of stars, debates on whose star reigns supreme – the audience has actively contributed to the creation of this Frankenstein monster. Yet, in our hypocritical nature, we now hold the monster responsible for its actions. The longevity and success of families like the Kapoors, Bachhans, Daggubatis, and Konidellas in the industry can be attributed to the audience’s acceptance and appreciation of their work.

While certain actors manage to capture the public’s attention and climb the ladder of success, others, equally talented, may not receive the same response. Tragically, some promising talents face untimely deaths, overshadowed by the media-created frenzy surrounding TV studio trials and the agendas of mentally unstable actors.

Nepotism Debate: Drowning Out the Real Issue with Social Media Noise

The hashtag #JusticeforSSR trends on social media, but its impact on the real world remains questionable. In the midst of this chaos, the essence of #LifeofSSR, which could offer valuable insights for aspiring ‘outsiders,’ goes unnoticed. Perhaps, it’s time to move beyond retweeting gossip and random rants, and instead, understand the simple logic behind nepotism, adjusting our expectations accordingly. It might be worthwhile to step out of the digital realm and explore low-budget, less-marketed indie films featuring newcomers.