Twitter Fumes Over R Balki's Nepotism Statement On Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, Shekhar Kapur & Other Celebrities React

Netizens couldn’t keep their calm after R Balki shared his views on ‘nepotism’ and called it a ‘foolish argument’. ‘Bulbbul’ actor Avinash Tiwary also doesn’t seem to agree with the director and got back at him with an untamed reply.

Sushant Singh Rajput’s death has spurred up the debate on ‘nepotism’ in Bollywood. While many blamed the Bollywood biggies for his alleged depression which led him to commit suicide, others are still finding it difficult to digest the fact that the actor took his own life. Many Bollywood celebrities have shared their views on ‘nepotism’ thereafter. Recently, in an interview with Hindustan Times, R Balki came up with his views on the ongoing debate of ‘nepotism’ in the industry and Twitter couldn’t keep calm post this.

The ‘Shamitabh’ director said, “It’s undeniable that this happens everywhere. Think about the Mahindras, Ambanis, Bajajs… Their father passed on the businesses to them. Does anyone say ‘No I don’t think Mukesh Ambani shouldn’t run this business, someone else should?’ In every stratum of the society, it happens, even a driver or a vegetable seller passes on businesses to their children. So, it’s a foolish argument. Remember we live in a free society. The question is do they (star kids) have an unfair or bigger advantage? Yes, there are pros and cons. But I’d ask one simple question: Find me a better actor than Alia (Bhatt) or Ranbir (Kapoor), and we’ll argue. It’s unfair on these few people who’re probably some of the finest actors. Understand that audiences don’t like actors without talent. Sometimes, they also want to see star kids on screen. That’s only the first chance that you get, and then one needs to survive on their own. I agree it’s far more difficult for an outsider to make an entry in films, but talent gets the opportunity. “Understand that audiences don’t like actors without talent. That’s only the first chance that you get, and then one needs to survive on their own. I agree it’s far more difficult for an outsider to make an entry in films, but talent gets the opportunity.”

Soon after his statement came out, celebrities including Shekhar Kapur reacted and put forward their points on what they think about the ‘Padman’ director’s declaration.

Shekhar Kapur took to his Twitter and wrote, “Have huge respect for you, Balki. But I just saw Kai Po Che again last night. Three new young actors at that time. And stunning believable performances by each @filmfare”

He added, “Best actors today are coming from theatre. There's a newfound respect for them. And confidence. I’ve worked with Naseer, Shabana, Satish Kaushik, Seema Biswas, and entire cast of Bandit Queen, Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Heath Ledger Daniel Craig Eddy Redmayne. All are from theatre” See the tweets here:

A film Editor and screenwriter by profession, Apurva Asrani also came up with a reply to R Balki’s statement and wrote, “Manoj Bajpayee, Rajkummar Rao, Vicky Kaushal, Ayushmann, Kangana Ranaut, Priyanka Chopra, Taapsee Pannu, Vidya Balan, Richa Chaddha. Many others too if we look beyond A list film families, and take a few chances. I love Ranbir & Alia, but please, they aren't the only good actors. Pankaj Tripathi, Gajraj Rao, Amit Sadh, Jaideep Ahlawat, Rasika Dugal, Swara Bhaskar, Shweta Tripathi, Sanjay Mishra, Neena Gupta, Divya Dutta, Manav Kaul, Nawazuddin, Jeetu. My god, I could go on & on about the wonderful talents we have. Stop fussing over the same 3-4 names now!”

‘Bulbbul’ fame actor Avinash Tiwary tweeted, “Dear #RBalki Sir, you would not know of the better Actors if they are not given an opportunity and you don't step out to watch them.”

R Balki produced ‘Mission Mangal’ which released in 2019. If sources are to be believed, the director’s next project will be starring Amitabh Bachchan and Kangana Ranaut. There is no official statement from the director on the same.