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A star kid can get that first film due to nepotism: Alia Bhatt

Speaking at a promotional press conference for Badrinath Ki Dulhania, the actress spoke on nepotism as a factor in the industry, but stressed that only hard work can ensure eventual success.

Photo: Shutterbugs Imahes

Kangana Ranaut had stunned Karan Johar, and the entire film industry, with her cheeky jibe on nepotism on Koffee With Karan. Ranaut was slyly slamming the industry for launching star kids like Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan.  At a recent event to promote Badrinath Ki Dulhania, Alia Bhatt was asked about her views on nepotism, and she chose to set the record straight. 

"I think a star kid can get that first film due to nepotism. But to constantly get films just because you belong to a filmy family is not possible. I don't want to take any names, but there have been many examples of sons and daughters of lineage who have come and gone without achieving anything. What about that? Eventually, people come to see you as an actor and not because your family is famous, and you can't fool them," Bhatt told journalists at the promotional event.

Although the admission of nepotism in the industry was a surprise, Bhatt did not agree that it ensures success. The Badrinath Ki Dulhania actress also cited how she had worked hard on her way to success. Bhatt added, “I am aware people do struggle to make a mark in the industry, but it's not right to blame nepotism. I didn't plan my birth in the Bhatt family. I can't change that and today, I am successful not because my family is famous, but also because I have worked hard. You can't take it away from me.”

The 23-year-old made her debut with Karan Johar's Student of the Year (2012), and has worked her way to the top with stellar performances in films likes 2 States (2014), Highway (2014), and Udta Punjab (2016). Bhatt bagged her maiden Filmfare Best Actress award for Udta Punjab.