In the past few weeks, several artists from the entertainment industry have spoken about nepotism and ‘outsiders’ being denied opportunities despite being more talented. While we have heard accounts from the victims of such a monopolised system, few celebrities have come forward to acknowledge their privilege.
In an interview with The New Indian Express, Saif Ali Khan claimed that even he has been a victim of nepotism.
“There is inequality in India that needs to be explored. Nepotism, favouritism and camps are different subjects. Even I have been a victim of nepotism but nobody speaks of that. I’m happy to see more people from film institutes come to the forefront,” the actor said.
Speaking on Kangana attacking Karan Johar for nepotism, Saif said:
“I have no idea what Kangana was saying on Koffee with Karan because I don’t think like that. As far as Karan is concerned, he has made himself a large symbol and it seems like he’s attracting a lot of flak for it. The truth is always complicated. There’s much more to it but people aren’t interested in that. I hope the tide is over and better things shine through.”
According to News18, Twitter has broken into memes after Saif Ali Khan called himself a “victim of nepotism”. Many highlighted how he, the son of actor Sharmila Tagore and cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, has only been privileged.
It's true that Saif Ali Khan has been a victim of nepotism, not easy to accept national award for a silly film like Hum-Tum just because your mother is jury member that year.
— EngiNerd. (@mainbhiengineer) July 2, 2020
When Saif Ali Khan Says ,
He is an Victim of Nepotism.
Audiences: pic.twitter.com/NvtfO9VxdB— 𝐑 𝐀 𝐅 𝐈 (@IamRaaFii) July 2, 2020
The Real Struggling Actors On Hearing
*Saif Ali Khan Complains About Being A Victim Of Nepotism*pic.twitter.com/0ZtVWAZjZK— Dr Khushboo 👛 (@khushbookadri) July 2, 2020
Saif Ali Khan says that, he is the victim of nepotism…
*Meanwhile, people be like : pic.twitter.com/8UA9lkECPt
— ♓ℹ️♏🅰️♑💲🈂️⛎ (@tereMaalKaYaar) July 2, 2020
saif ali khan ananya pandey
🤝
struggled due to nepotism— yashashvi (@TheKingLJP) July 2, 2020
Saif Ali khan complaining about nepotism is like : pic.twitter.com/svK7zkel50
— Mr. Stark (@Mr_Stark_) July 2, 2020
https://twitter.com/iamsjasrotia/status/1278562869324296192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Saif Ali Khan says he's a victim of nepotism.
My reaction pic.twitter.com/9k5TaajGm3— Sumit (@SumitMi02880332) July 2, 2020
Saif Ali Khan has actually been a victim of nepotism !!
Anyone who denies the fact is too ignorant about the behaviours & trends strangling Bollywood !! pic.twitter.com/TyYP5fNpEt— I Love You SirJi (@ILoveYouSirJi) July 2, 2020
Not only Saif Ali Khan but also Taimur has been a victim of Nepotism pic.twitter.com/72JnA4BdJY
— Souvik Nag (@SouvikNag_tatai) July 2, 2020
साबुन की शक्ल में बेटा तू तो निकला झाग.. pic.twitter.com/Tn7uPEwJfr
— Keh Ke Peheno (@coolfunnytshirt) July 2, 2020
If Saif Ali Khan is a victim of Nepotism, then Rohit Sharma is definitely a victim of his infinite talent!
— Zen Master (@Wee_shal) July 2, 2020
Saif Ali Khan in a interview said even i have been the victim of nepotism ,
Meanwhile all memers : pic.twitter.com/OIoIrDqHEo
— पूजा (@KapilianPooja) July 2, 2020
Later in the interview, Saif also spoke about Sushant Singh Rajput and remembered him as a “bright” personality.
“He was a talented actor and a good-looking guy. I thought he had a bright future. He was polite to me and appreciated my guest appearance in the film. He wanted to talk about many topics like astronomy and philosophy. I got the feeling he was brighter than I was.”
There is no problem in giving an opportunity to someone whose family has been rooted in the industry. The problem lies in giving them continued opportunities despite them showing a lack of talent. The problem lies in star-kids defending their privilege instead of acknowledging it and using it to help the less fortunate.
The difference lies here – when star-kids fail, they are picked up again, and again, and again. When outsiders tumble, they are outcasted.