Mumbai, August 1, 2025:
Veteran Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has shared his thoughts on the ongoing discussion about nepotism and the challenges star kids face in today’s entertainment industry. In a candid interview, Shetty recognized that while celebrity children might access opportunities more easily, the pressure and expectations on them are much more intense than in the past.
“Star kids have to work doubly hard now,” Shetty said. He referred to the digital age, where everyone is a critic. He explained how social media platforms have made it almost impossible for any actor to escape judgment. “There’s constant bashing. Even before a film releases, opinions are formed, comparisons are made, and performances are picked apart,” he noted.
Shetty called it a time of “critical bashing.” He empathized with young actors—many of whom are children of film stars—who face relentless scrutiny from both the audience and the media. “The spotlight is always on them. There’s no room for error, and if there is one, it’s amplified,” he added.
While the actor didn’t deny the presence of nepotism, he stressed that today’s audience focuses more on talent than ever. “At the end of the day, talent speaks. The audience may give you one chance because of your background, but you’ll only survive if you deliver,” he remarked.
Suniel Shetty, known for his action roles in the 1990s and early 2000s, has become a mentor and entrepreneur in recent years. He closely observes the changing dynamics of Bollywood and OTT platforms. His daughter, Athiya Shetty, and son-in-law, cricketer KL Rahul, are often in the public eye, but Shetty continues to push for growth based on merit in the industry.
As discussions about nepotism and insider privilege persist, Shetty’s balanced view highlights the pressures that come with privilege and the changing expectations from both audiences and the industry.