Kangana came out with nepotism idea: Arshad Warsi on star kids not having it easy
Arshad Warsi said nepotism exists in films, but talent decides how far an actor goes. He also said star kids face unfair expectations beyond the easier access they may get.
Actor Arshad Warsi has credited Kangana Ranaut with making the nepotism debate popular, but believes being a star kid doesn't necessarily make life easier in Bollywood. While admitting that a famous surname can open the first door faster, Arshad said the expectations placed on star kids can be overwhelming, and talent ultimately determines whether that door stays open.
Speaking on a podcast with Filmygyan, Arshad said nepotism was not a major talking point when he began his career. “Kangana came out with the idea of nepotism, and then it got big, and everyone started talking about it,” he said. While acknowledging that nepotism exists, Arshad said it does not bother him because he believes an actor can only go so far without the talent to back it up.
"I also know that it's not easy for a star kid. The expectations are so high. It's like today I see that happening with my child. The impression other people have of them, because they are my kids, is that they have to be good actors," he said.
Warsi, who was last seen in Pritam and Pedro on OTT, also said the level of expectations placed on star kids is "not fair" at all times. "I feel like, 'oh my god, don't say that,' because everyone has their own personalities. Too much is expected of star kids, and they have to live up to too many people's expectations. It's not fair. The maximum that can happen to them is a door gets opened faster, but if you are not talented, it shuts down quickly," he added.
Arshad also spoke about the pressure that comes with being a star kid. Referring to his own children, son Zeke Warsi and daughter Zene Zoe Warsi, he said they could face expectations simply because they are his children, even though they have their own personalities and abilities.
According to the actor, the biggest advantage nepotism can offer is a quicker opportunity. “The maximum that can happen to them is a door gets opened faster, but if you are not talented, it shuts down quickly,” he said.
Arshad said he does not want to put pressure on his children to succeed or worry about whether they will fail. Instead, he wants them to understand acting as a craft and be properly prepared if they choose to pursue it.
The actor also pointed out that young people entering the film industry today are increasingly well-prepared, making it important for aspiring actors to take their craft seriously.
“I don't fear success or failure for them,” he said, adding that what matters to him is that they become good actors and understand their craft.
Arshad Warsi's upcoming projects
Meanwhile, Arshad is gearing up for the release of Ghamasaan, directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia. The film also stars Pratik Gandhi, Rajpal Yadav and Ishita Dutta and is scheduled to premiere on ZEE5 on September 11.
He will also appear in Siddharth Anand's King, which stars Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role. The cast includes Deepika Padukone, Suhana Khan and Abhishek Bachchan, among others.
The film marks Shah Rukh Khan's return to the big screen after two years and is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 24.