Arshad Warsi has weighed in on one of Bollywood’s most debated topics – nepotism. The actor reflected on how the conversation has evolved since he entered the film industry, pointing to Kangana Ranaut as the person who brought the issue into the mainstream. While Arshad acknowledged that star kids can receive easier opportunities, he believes that an advantage at the beginning does not guarantee long-term success. Drawing from his own experience of watching his children navigate the expectations attached to his surname, the actor also highlighted the pressure that comes with being born into a film family and why talent remains the ultimate test.
Arshad Warsi says Kangana Ranaut made nepotism a big topic
Arshad Warsi discussed the issue of nepotism during a podcast conversation with Filmygyan, where he reflected on how the debate has changed since he began his career.
Speaking about how the nepotism debate gained prominence, Arshad said, came out with the idea of nepotism, and then it got big, and everyone started talking about it.” He acknowledged that nepotism exists in the industry but said he does not see it as something that determines an actor’s entire career.
“Yes, it’s there, but it doesn’t bother me. My heart tells me at the end of the day it’s about how talented you are and that’s how far you will go,” the actor said. Arshad also addressed the assumption that star kids have an easy path in Bollywood. While acknowledging that they may get opportunities more quickly, he pointed out that they face their own set of pressures and expectations. “I also know that it’s not easy for a star kid. The expectations are so high. It’s like today I see that happening with my child,” he said. Explaining what he has observed through his own children, Arshad said people often have preconceived expectations about them simply because they are his kids.
Kangana Ranaut
“The impression other people have of them, because they are my kids, is that they have to be good actors. I feel like, ‘oh my god, don’t say that,’ because everyone has their own personalities. Too much is expected of star kids, and they have to live up to too many people’s expectations. It’s not fair,” he added. Arshad believes that having a famous parent may open the first door, but it cannot guarantee that an actor will remain successful. “The maximum that can happen to them is a door gets opened faster, but if you are not talented, it shuts down quickly,” he said.
Arshad Warsi’s work front
Arshad Warsi has two interesting projects lined up. He will next be seen in Ghamasaan, directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, which also stars Pratik Gandhi, Rajpal Yadav and Ishita Dutta. The film will premiere on ZEE5 on September 11. He is also part of Siddharth Anand’s King, headlined by Shah Rukh Khan, which is scheduled to hit theatres on December 24.