In recent times, Bollywood has faced a lot of criticism for promoting nepotism or offering unfair opportunities to undeserving ‘nepo kids’. Karan Johar has been occasionally targeted for fostering a culture of nepotism in Bollywood. More recently, even Zoya Akhtar received significant criticism for launching three-star kids—Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, and Agastya Nanda—following their disappointing debut in ‘The Archies.’
Also Read: 5 Things We Hated About Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies Which Make It Zoya Akhtar’s Weakest Movie
However, the truth is, Bollywood had nepotism long before the current generation of star kids emerged. Even before the likes of Ananya Pandey, Janhvi Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, and Suhana Khan, nepotism was prevalent. Here are seven actors from the 80s and 90s who were also considered ‘nepo kids’—many of whom we might have forgotten.
Nepo Kids Of 90s Bollywood Movies
1. Kajol
Yes! Though Kajol was one of the most successful actresses of the 90s, she is also a sta-kid. While her mother is the legendary Tanuja, her father Shomu Mukherjee was a famous director.
2. Ajay Devgn
Not just Kajol, but also Ajay Devgn belonged to a well-connected Bollywood family. For the unversed, Ajay Devgn’s father, Veeru Devgan was a famous action director in Bollywood, who was quite respected. He choreographed fight and action scenes for more than 80 Bollywood movies.
3. Raveena Tandon
Though many may not be aware but Raveen Tandon also belongs to a very well connected Bollywood family. Her dad, Ravi Tandon, was not only a famous producer but a director too. From Majboor to Khuddar to Khel Khel Mein, he directed many superhit movies.
4. Fardeen Khan
Fadeen Khan, who is the son of yesteryear superstar Feroze Khan, couldn’t create much magic at the box office. Though he got multiple chances, he couldn’t deliver a successful movie.
5. Salman Khan
How could we forget to include Salman Khan in this list? Belonging to one of the most famous Bollywood families, Salman Khan’s father Salim Khan is a famous screenwriter, producer, and actor. With so many connections, it would have been easier for Salman to build his career in Bollywood.
90s Bollywood Nepotism & Nepo Kids
6. Sanjay Dutt
Son of famous actor, politician, and director Sunil Dutt, Sanjay Dutt is also a product of nepotism. For the unversed Sanjay Dutt made his acting debut with Rocky (1981), directed by his father, which was followed by a string of duds.
7. Aamir Khan
Aamir Khan also belongs to a very well-connected Bollywood family. The hit film producer, director, and writer Nasir Hussain was Aamir’s uncle. Aamir Khan, acted in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, a film which was produced by his uncle Nasir Hussain and directed by his cousin Mansoor Khan.Â
ALSO CHECK OUT:
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What do you think about nepotism in Bollywood? Tell us in the comments below.