Bollywood has long been criticized for its preference toward celebrity families, which has given rise to the term “nepotism.” As we enter 2025, the question remains: Are star kids still dominating the Hindi film industry, or is the tide finally turning?
Who Are Star Kids?
Star kids are the sons and daughters of established Bollywood actors, producers, or directors. With fame running in their blood, they often find themselves cast in big-banner films even before they’ve proven their merit. But does lineage still guarantee success in today’s hyper-competitive industry?
The Current Lineup of Star Kids
In recent years, several new star kids have made their debut:
Suhana Khan (daughter of Shah Rukh Khan) debuted in The Archies
Agastya Nanda (Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson)
Khushi Kapoor (daughter of Sridevi and Boney Kapoor)
Ibrahim Ali Khan (son of Saif Ali Khan)—soon to debut
These actors were launched with much fanfare and strong production backing, but their success has been mixed. Audience feedback has become more discerning, and box office numbers reflect genuine engagement rather than inherited stardom.
Rising Stars Without a Filmi Background
Alongside them, self-made actors have carved a space through talent and persistence:
Triptii Dimri (Animal)
Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
Mrunal Thakur (Sita Ramam)
Siddhant Chaturvedi (Gully Boy)
These artists have been appreciated for their raw, honest performances, often in content-driven films that resonate deeply with audiences.
The OTT Disruption
One of the most significant shifts in the industry has been the rise of OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar. These platforms have democratized access, giving newcomers from theatre, modeling, and social media an opportunity to reach millions.
OTT hits like Paatal Lok, Made in Heaven, and Delhi Crime feature minimal star power but gained cult status, proving that good content can beat name recognition.
Changing Audience Sentiment
Since the tragic death of Sushant Singh Rajput in 2020, there’s been growing public discourse around nepotism. Audiences have become more critical, vocal, and transparent — often supporting outsiders who show real potential and calling out formulaic performances by star kids.
The Verdict: A Shift in Power, Not a Revolution
While star kids continue to have easy access and backing, they no longer dominate unchallenged. Today’s industry rewards adaptability, social media engagement, acting prowess, and script sense.
The playing field is not yet entirely level, but it is no longer one-sided either. As of 2025, Bollywood is seeing a hybrid model, where star kids compete directly with outsiders, and only the truly talented survive.
Conclusion
So, are star kids still dominating Bollywood? The answer is partially, but they’re no longer untouchable. Talent, content, and audience perception are now stronger than legacy alone. The Bollywood of 2025 is more merit-based than ever before.