Nepotism exists in Bollywood from decades but at that time there was nothing wrong as it was not brutal. The biggest reason of Nepotism currently is the huge flow of money as Bollywood movies are watched globally. It was during the Raj Kapoor era too but during that time it was on concentrating on one’s personal skills, hard work and the banner acted as the support. Today, the main ventilators for these called actors are the flag bearers who are in so much power that they can influence decisions.
If you see the case of Mahesh Bhatt, he gave some wonderful films like Saaransh, Naam, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Dil Hai Ke Maanta Nahin (yes, he was also promoting Pooja Bhatt). He even roped in new comers like Anupam Kher in Saraansh and Rahul Roy-Anu Agarwal in Aashiqui., worked with Jugal Hansraj in Papa Kehte Hai, launched Mayuri Kango but later launching Emran Hashmi and making films not for cinematic glory but just to earn money. Dharmendra launched Sunny, Bobby and there is nothing wrong in it but he never used his influence or sidelined any actor from a Raj Kumar Santoshi film to take his son. If he would have done that Abhay Deol would also be in star list as he is talented. After 2000 film industry gained a huge corporate structure and started churning out loads of money globally certain production houses attained tremendous power and they started using it to churn out more money.
If Karan is launching someone, he is not doing it for charity. He is getting something in favor. These people are running an industry within themselves. The so called star kids are also keen to enter Bollywood because they know that by doing so they can achieve name and fame globally as the launch pad and the backing is present and even if they fail they will get more chances due to their background which does not happens with outsiders. It’s just like launching a new product in the market. If the agency has a great hold they will be easily doing it.
Today it is dangerous because these flag bearers don’t want anyone else to be in the race. They launch their relatives and backstab the talented ones.
The biggest example is that if SSR and Ranveer both were in contract, how can Ranveer be released for a Bhansali film. He too should have been blocked if you go as per the contract. He was not interested in small projects for a launch and who knows may have paid for getting the contract. Even the casting directors are paid in cash or kind and they too do favor to forward the profile of actors. If an actor refuses such big banners, even if a director refuses to make a film with a star kid and goes on with some talented actor, he will have to face a hell of problems. He will find it difficult to find financers, distributors, less availability of screens, find it hard to sell the music of his film. In one way as the underworld’s money was invested in 90’s they got the power and they misused it. In the same way these banners who hold more than 50 percent of the entertainment industry chain are misusing their powers.
Star kids will always get a slight preference as they are already backed up with the many different aspects of film making. Either they have to balance it out so that no one suffers or some small production houses should churn out movies with talented actors thereby creating a competition for the flag bearers.
Dharma Productions first hit film was Dostana which starred Amitabh and it took years to set up the banner. After a string of flops the banner gained heights after KKHH and with the huge global reach suddenly the numbers changed. Big production houses businesses are interlinked with each other and together can influence decisions, sideline people. Music Companies are also a silent flag bearer as Bollywood films largely depend on music.
If you call the offices of these banners and talk that you have a concept the answer you get is that we have our own team who looks after writing. So how will you get new talent and good stuff? Film industry should be for all who are talented. Talent should be the first priority; otherwise you will just be delivering crap. However these are my personal views as far I know Bollywood. It is not to favor anyone or to hurt the sentiments of anyone. Be it Bollywood or any other sector the selection criteria should be based on only one word and that is TALENT.
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