Kriti Sanon Speaks Out Against Bollywood’s Unfair Treatment of Outsiders!

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Kriti Sanon trends on social media after her comment on nepotism: 'Film  industry is not responsible' - The Economic Times

Kriti Sanon Speaks Out Against Bollywood’s Unfair Treatment of Outsiders: A Bold Stand in the Industry

Bollywood, India’s sprawling film industry, is often seen as a land of dreams, where aspiring actors from across the country come to make their mark. However, despite its glittering appeal, the world of Hindi cinema has long been criticized for its insider-outsider divide—a rift that has led to claims of favoritism, nepotism, and the marginalization of talent that comes from outside the film industry’s powerful family dynasties. Among those who have spoken out against this culture of favoritism is actress Kriti Sanon, whose rise to stardom has been both remarkable and hard-earned.

In recent years, Kriti Sanon has emerged as one of the most sought-after actresses in Bollywood. She is known for her versatility, her acting skills, and her ability to hold her own against established stars. Despite her undeniable talent and popularity, Kriti’s journey to success has not been without its struggles. Like many others who come from non-film backgrounds, Kriti has had to fight against the powerful system of nepotism that often dictates casting choices in Bollywood.

In this article, we explore Kriti Sanon’s journey, her views on Bollywood’s treatment of outsiders, and her courageous stance against the nepotistic culture that has long dominated the industry. We also look at how her words are resonating with other outsiders in the industry and the implications of her statements for Bollywood’s future.

The Rise of Kriti Sanon: A Star in the Making

Kriti Sanon was born in New Delhi in 1990 into a well-educated, middle-class family. Her father is a chartered accountant, and her mother is a professor. Kriti was not born into a film family, and unlike many of her Bollywood peers, she did not have the privilege of a family connection to get her foot in the door. However, that did not stop her from pursuing her dreams.

Kriti initially studied engineering and earned a degree in Electronics and Communication from Jaypee Institute of Information Technology in Noida. Despite her academic background, she harbored a deep passion for acting and modeling. After some success in modeling and a few minor television appearances, Kriti moved to Mumbai to pursue her acting career full-time.

Her Bollywood debut came in 2014 with the film Heropanti, directed by Sabbir Khan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. The film also marked the debut of actor Tiger Shroff, and while Heropanti wasn’t a major blockbuster, Kriti’s performance was noticed. The film provided a solid introduction to Kriti, but her real rise to fame came with her subsequent roles in films like Dilwale (2015), where she starred alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Varun Dhawan. Dilwale was a massive success at the box office, and Kriti’s screen presence earned her recognition in the industry.

However, despite her talent and early successes, Kriti faced the harsh realities of Bollywood’s competitive and often unforgiving nature. Her experiences in the industry would soon open her eyes to the darker side of the film business, especially the way outsiders—actors who don’t have a family legacy in the industry—are treated.

The Insider vs. Outsider Debate in Bollywood

The issue of nepotism in Bollywood has been a contentious one for many years. While it’s no secret that the industry has always been more welcoming to the children of established stars, the topic gained significant attention in 2020 following the tragic death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Sushant, an outsider who had risen from humble beginnings to become a beloved star, died by suicide in June 2020. His death sparked nationwide outrage and led to widespread discussions about the culture of nepotism and favoritism in Bollywood.

In the aftermath of Sushant’s death, many actors and insiders within the industry were accused of perpetuating a system that systematically shut out talented individuals who did not belong to film families. Celebrities like Karan Johar, Salman Khan, and Alia Bhatt became the targets of intense criticism, with many accusing them of supporting nepotism and creating an industry environment that favored star kids over deserving outsiders.

The conversation around nepotism in Bollywood became a hot topic, with many prominent personalities taking sides. While some insiders defended the practice, arguing that film families have the right to offer opportunities to their children, others, like Kriti Sanon, spoke out against it, calling for a more inclusive and merit-based industry.

Kriti Sanon Speaks Out Against Bollywood’s Unfair Treatment of Outsiders

Kriti Sanon Speaks Out Against Bollywood's Unfair Treatment of Outsiders!

Kriti Sanon has often been vocal about the challenges faced by outsiders in the industry. In several interviews, she has highlighted the differences in the opportunities available to those who come from film families versus those who do not. In a particularly candid interview, Kriti discussed how actors from non-filmy backgrounds often have to work harder to get noticed and secure quality roles in Bollywood.

“I’ve been an outsider in this industry, and I know how hard it is,” Kriti said in one of her interviews. “It’s not just about talent; it’s about who you know. It’s about being in the right circles, and sometimes it doesn’t matter how good you are at your craft. I think the playing field should be level for everyone.”

Kriti further explained that while nepotism exists in every industry, it is especially pronounced in Bollywood, where family ties often dictate who gets a break. She acknowledged that many star kids have the privilege of being launched in big projects, sometimes without the need to prove their acting abilities. “Nepotism is everywhere, but in Bollywood, it’s more apparent because the industry is so heavily influenced by family connections,” she said.

Her comments resonated with many outsiders who have struggled to break into the industry despite having the necessary talent. Several of Bollywood’s best-known outsiders, including actors like Ayushmann Khurrana, Rajkummar Rao, and even Sushant Singh Rajput, have faced similar challenges and barriers on their journey to success.

Despite facing criticism for speaking out, Kriti stood firm in her beliefs. She expressed that it was important for the industry to recognize merit and hard work over family connections, and to give opportunities to talented individuals who don’t have the privilege of being born into a film family. Kriti also acknowledged that the situation has been improving, with a growing number of outsiders successfully making their mark in the industry.

However, she emphasized that there is still a long way to go. She stated that young talents should be judged based on their work and ability rather than their lineage or background. “I believe in being given a chance, and it’s about how much you are willing to put in. I think it’s time we move away from this tradition of nepotism,” she said.

The Power of Social Media: A Platform for Outsiders

 

Kriti Sanon’s stance against nepotism has found support from various corners of Bollywood and beyond. The advent of social media has played a crucial role in amplifying the voices of outsiders like Kriti. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter allow actors to connect directly with their audiences and share their experiences in a way that was not possible in the past.

For Kriti, social media has become a tool not only for promoting her work but also for sharing her thoughts on the state of the industry. She has used her platforms to engage with fans, voice her opinions, and show her support for fellow outsiders. In fact, Kriti has been vocal about how social media has helped level the playing field in some ways, allowing fans to directly connect with actors and show support for their work.

Through social media, Kriti has also been able to raise awareness about issues beyond nepotism, including mental health, fitness, and women’s empowerment. By doing so, she has garnered a loyal fan base that appreciates her candidness and authenticity.

The Changing Landscape: Is Bollywood Ready for Change?

The ongoing debate about nepotism in Bollywood has led to a shift in the industry’s dynamics. While it remains a powerful force, there is a growing realization that talent alone should be the deciding factor in who gets opportunities. More and more outsiders are finding success in Bollywood, and their influence is steadily growing.

Kriti Sanon’s outspokenness has contributed to this shift, encouraging more people to speak out and demand change. Bollywood, while still dominated by its powerful families, is gradually opening up to new talent. Producers and filmmakers are recognizing that audiences are interested in fresh faces and new narratives, and they are increasingly willing to take risks on outsiders.

Moreover, the success of several outsiders, including Kriti Sanon, has paved the way for future generations of actors to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background. The industry’s evolving attitude toward talent, merit, and diversity suggests that Bollywood may be on the brink of a transformation.

Conclusion: A Step Towards a More Inclusive Bollywood

Kriti Sanon’s courageous stand against Bollywood’s unfair treatment of outsiders is a powerful statement in a world where industry insiders have historically dominated the narrative. Her journey, filled with both triumph and struggle, reflects the challenges faced by countless others who seek to make their mark in Bollywood without the benefit of family connections.

As Kriti continues to grow as an actress and a voice for change, it is clear that her words will inspire many others who feel marginalized in the industry. Bollywood’s treatment of outsiders has been a longstanding issue, but with voices like Kriti’s leading the way, it is possible that the future of the industry will be more inclusive, more diverse, and more meritocratic. The road to equality in Bollywood may still be long, but Kriti Sanon’s bold statements are a significant step toward a fairer and more equitable industry.