Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar has addressed the long-running nepotism debate, arguing that Bollywood is not a closed club and that many complaints stem from not landing films with major banners like Dharma Productions.
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News1803-01-2026, 17:07

Zoya Akhtar: Nepotism Complaints Misplaced, Industry Open to All, Not Just Dharma Films

  • Zoya Akhtar challenges the common perception of nepotism, stating the industry is an open "infrastructure," not a closed "room."
  • She argues that many complaints stem from wanting to be in big banners like Dharma Productions, not from being truly excluded from acting.
  • Akhtar highlights that statistics show more stars emerge from outside Mumbai and non-filmy backgrounds annually.
  • She cited her own 7-year struggle for a debut and Reema Kagti's quicker success as an outsider to complicate the narrative.
  • Zoya took responsibility for "The Archies" cast's performances, criticizing the online bullying of the newcomers.

Why It Matters: Zoya Akhtar redefines nepotism debate, asserting Bollywood is an open industry, not just for star kids.

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