Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon, who recently marked her debut as a producer with the streaming release of Do Patti, has shared her perspective on the ongoing issue of nepotism in the film industry.
As a self-made star with no connections in the industry, Kriti acknowledged that the Hindi film industry has been welcoming to her. However, she noted that for someone without a film background, it often takes time to achieve their desired position.
Kriti Sanon on Nepotism in Bollywood
Speaking at the 55th International Film Festival of India in Goa during a session titled Empowering Change: Women Leading the Way in Cinema, Kriti said, “The industry has given me a very warm welcome since the time I have come. Of course, when you don’t belong to a film background, it takes time for you to get there. It takes time for you to get those opportunities you crave for."
"It takes time for you to even get those magazine covers. So everything is a bit of a struggle. But after 2-3 films, if you keep working hard and if you are at it, nothing can stop you.”
Kriti also made a noteworthy point about the broader role of audiences and media in perpetuating nepotism, suggesting that Bollywood alone cannot be held accountable. She stated, “I feel the industry is not so much responsible for nepotism. It’s also the media and the audience. The audiences want to watch what the media is putting about certain star kids. Because the audience is interested in them, the industry feels that since the audience is interested, let’s make a movie with them.”
She further emphasised, “So I think it’s a circle. But I feel if you are talented, you will get there. If you’re not talented, and if the connection is not there with the audiences, you will not get there.”
Kriti Sanon's work front
Since her debut in 2014, Kriti Sanon has appeared in several notable films, including Dilwale, Raabta, Bareilly Ki Barfi, Luka Chuppi, and Housefull 4. Most recently, she was seen in Do Patti, which also featured Shaheer Sheikh and Kajol. The film marks the first project produced under her newly launched banner, Blue Butterfly Films.