Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 6: Actor Saif Ali Khan has acknowledged that nepotism in Bollywood gives star kids an “unfair advantage”, saying those born into film families often get opportunities that many talented outsiders struggle to access.
In a conversation with his sister Soha Ali Khan on her YouTube channel, Saif reflected on the long-running debate around nepotism in the film industry. The discussion comes nearly a decade after actor Kangana Ranaut first raised the issue publicly during an appearance on the talk show Koffee with Karan.
Saif said there is a significant difference between those who get opportunities due to family connections and those who struggle to break into the industry without support.
“There is a big difference between people who are lucky and those who are unknown and unlucky, who don’t get many chances to be noticed. That’s why it’s amazing when someone rises from grassroots without the protection of a godfather or a famous parent,” he said.
The actor, son of veteran actress Sharmila Tagore and former India cricket captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, said family backgrounds can open doors that remain closed to others.
“The ability we have to get in the door because of who our parents are is incredibly unfair and incredibly privileged. That’s my view on nepotism,” he said.
Saif added that audiences often react strongly when actors who receive repeated opportunities fail to perform well, as they feel deserving talents are being overlooked.
“Once you are great at what you do, the audience feels vindicated. But the problem is when you get repeated opportunities and you are not good at what you do. People feel someone else is not getting a chance while this person keeps getting chances,” he said.
Speaking about his children, actors Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim Ali Khan, Saif said he supports them but believes they must ultimately prove themselves.
Ibrahim made his acting debut in 2025 with the film Nadaaniyan, which received criticism for his performance. Saif said there is a limit to how much he can help his children, especially considering the privilege they already enjoy.
“I will support all my children, but there’s a limit. I even tell Ibrahim that I don’t know if I should stand next to you and hold your hand at this stage because you have already got so much because of who you are. You need to do this on your own,” he said.
Ibrahim will next appear in the film Diler, which is set for a theatrical release. It will be his third project after Nadaaniyan and Sarzameen.