Tanishaa Mukerji, sister of Kajol and an established Bollywood actress, has sparked debate by openly supporting nepotism in the film industry. Known for her debut in the YRF film Mohabbatein, Tanishaa emphasized that actors from film families prioritize giving back to Bollywood, unlike outsiders who “only take.”

Bollywood’s Nepotism Debate Continues

Over the years, nepotism in Bollywood has been a hot topic. The debate gained momentum after Saif Ali Khan, Varun Dhawan, and Karan Johar famously said, “nepotism rocks”, which led to Kangana Ranaut labeling Karan Johar as a “flagbearer of nepotism.” Today, star kids are often questioned about their privilege, while outsiders face intense scrutiny.

Tanishaa Mukerji, reflecting on her industry journey, stated she supports nepo babies and highlighted that outsiders often lack loyalty to the industry.

Tanishaa Speaks on Loyalty to Bollywood

In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, Tanishaa explained her views on industry criticism:

“We say ‘Make in India,’ but Bollywood is already made in India – Indian actors, Indian stories. Yet, we are constantly criticized. It hurts because I am a Bollywood baby. I love this industry, I love my fraternity, and I love my fellow nepo kids.”

She added:

“Coming from a film family, you naturally think about giving back to Bollywood. Outsiders, unfortunately, often come just to take. Families in the industry work to support crew members and nurture the art of filmmaking. That’s the difference. I wish more people thought like this.”

Outsiders vs. Star Kids in Bollywood

The discussion around outsiders intensified after Sushant Singh Rajput’s tragic death in 2020. Rumors suggested that some insiders felt threatened by his rise. Prominent outsiders like Kangana Ranaut and Taapsee Pannu have since spoken about their struggles, with Taapsee even launching Outsider Films Productions to empower outsiders in the industry.

Tanishaa emphasized the role of star families in maintaining Bollywood’s ecosystem:

“Whether it’s Rohit Shetty or my brother-in-law, they care for everyone involved in the movie-making process. That’s the value of coming from a film family.”

The Genetics Argument

In his open letter after the nepotism rocks controversy, Saif Ali Khan drew an analogy between star kids and racehorses bred for a purpose, explaining that genetics and family background play a significant role in shaping Bollywood talent.

Key Takeaways

• Tanishaa Mukerji supports nepotism and believes star kids give back to the industry.

• Outsiders, she feels, often lack loyalty and only seek personal gain.

• The debate over nepotism remains alive, fueled by high-profile incidents and the emergence of outsider-led initiatives.