New Delhi: Ever since the dawn of Indian cinema, Bollywood has been a massive chest of talent, new ideas and the biggest successes. With legendary actors unforgettable films and incredible music, Bollywood was cherished for its larger-than-life portrayal and rich storytelling. However, recent years have seen a massive incline in the growing criticism for its reliance on star power rather than focus on genuine talent. And as Bollywood keeps launching kids of pre-established stars, many argue that Bollywood is no longer a platform for hardworking outsiders but rather a tightly controlled network where success is predetermined by lineage rather than skill.

Do you think this shift will lead to further decline in not only the quality of films but also the future of Indian cinema? Here is what Redditors think.

An influx of star kids in Bollywood – a problem

Whether it is Sara Ali Khan, Ananya Panday, Suhana Khan, or Agastya Nanda, their presence in the industry has little to do with talent and everything to do with their last names. Unlike previous generations, where star kids like Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt at least had to prove their acting prowess over time, today’s nepo babies are often launched with massive media backing and minimal scrutiny.

While nepotism has always been a part of Bollywood, the issue today is the sheer dominance of star kids over ‘outsiders’. Earlier, actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Madhuri Dixit managed to break through on merit.

Today, even exceptionally talented actors like Adarsh Gourav, Medha Shankr, and Triptii Dimri struggle for recognition despite delivering outstanding performances.

The obsession with star power over storytelling has led to box office failures, with movies featuring star kids underperforming despite aggressive promotions. Audiences today are not willing to blindly support poorly made films. This is more evident in the growing preference for South Indian cinema, which offers fresh talent and strong narratives.

The lack of ‘fresh talent’ in Bollywood

For ‘outsiders’ making a mark in Bollywood is more challenging than ever. Gone are the days when a good role and decent director could bring success, although difficult, to potentially anyone.

Now, independent actors are left struggling for a decent script, forcing them to either leave the industry or shift to platforms like OTT content, where they are more likely to be judged on skills rather than lineage.

Bollywood’s deep-seated obsession with nepotism is costing it not just in terms of credibility but also financially, as audiences have been growing tired of mediocre performances. If the industry wants to sustain itself in the long run, it must return to prioritising talent over family names.

Now, independent actors are left struggling for a decent script, forcing them to either leave the industry or shift to platforms like OTT content, where they are more likely to be judged on skills rather than lineage.

Bollywood’s deep-seated obsession with nepotism is costing it not just in terms of credibility but also financially, as audiences have been growing tired of mediocre performances. If the industry wants to sustain itself in the long run, it must return to prioritising talent over family names.