A MORASS OF NEPOTISM - BOLLYWOOD

A MORASS OF NEPOTISM – BOLLYWOOD

There is a grey blot of nepotism that continues to scar the Indian film Industry since last few decades, leading to occasional debate, but no genuine or succinct narrative has emerged over this unfair practice. There may be an actor, without obvious talent, from a famous Bollywood family, getting a mega break and trying to remain in film frame routinely, compelling audience to remonstrate and contemplate the performance with embarrassment. However, some performers, from similar film lineages are exceptionally talented, be it in acting, direction or production, their performances are constantly admired by viewers and critics alike. The practice of nepotism is prevalent almost in every profession and discipline, but it becomes more controversial in a country, where people are fixated with film actors, obsessed to the point of worshipping and idolizing them. 

Nepotism, a faulty practice of favouritism to promote relatives and friends, especially in Indian film Industry, a creative forum where skills and art ought to be honed for the natural creativity, but promoting film family tree is diminishing the brilliant and steady pace of new talent knocking at the doors of the Industry daily. Overt favouritism and promotion of “star kids”, over talent, blatant nepotism, continues to stall the film Industry in mediocrity.

Annoying examples of rampant nepotistic practices within Industry are many and continue to hamper intrinsic progress, whether gaining a movie easily and effortlessly or receiving undeserving special treatment and perks. The absurdity and weakness of certain movie moguls putting their interest first, supressing artistry, using hype and publicity to promote ‘young celebrities’, depriving audience of talented artists with brilliant acting skills.

Years back, a young actor famous on TV, with easy charm and talent got a break on the big screen and never looked back, as some phenomenal stars who were scouted from theatre or talent competitions. Earlier on Institutions like FTII in Pune and NSD in New Delhi contributed lot of performers, directors and technicians to Bollywood but this trend has waned. 

We still get some exceptional talent, with artistic skill, grit and tenacity, continuing to lead on their own in this jungle of nepotistic Industry, as talent does matter, despite the bias of some film makers towards faces only within the fraternity. 

Ekta Kapoor the most powerful name in the Television Industry and one of the pioneers in digital Indian entertainment platform, despite part of typical film fraternity, she chose and innovated rather than being part of a rat pack. Similarly, there are some from identical background, who have successfully chosen alternate careers.

Nepotism was not apparent in the Indian film Industry of 60’s. Though multiple members of a family were performers, but they had their own talent, struggle and genre, without a family launchpad, with integrity and honesty they carved their own path in success and failure.  Actors were transparent and quality of work was applauded, healthy competition and dedication brought forth some very good cinema. Similar trend continued in the 70’s, the studios and directors created different art forms with some legends of the Indian cinema, celebrating all aspects of movie making with sweat, hard work and sheer genius.

A trace of nepotism started in early 70's, with its fragile roots, it couldn’t succeed in general, possibly owing to ethos in the Industry, still rewarding true craft and craftmanship. However, a bit of favouritism, male protagonist’s preference for an actress in the name of successful pairing and discrimination of some actors, a dent, not unusual, that may never disappear.

Nowadays, the beginners from film legacy, with no cinematic and acting skills, confined to display their physical attributes, launched by family or being promoted by certain godfathers, strangely pass the screen test. The controllers of certain production houses disapprove all norms, principals and degrade the cinematic standards, encouraging repeat performances, big song and dance sequences, with utter disdain for originality.     

The practice of nepotism is tremendously harmful for credible creativity. By recruiting incompetent star kids or other actors through connections and favouritism, leading to stagnation of talent. The promoters adopt all means to hype up the ‘Star kids’, organizing innumerable fan pages, Instagram or other social apps, clearly a sign of persistent persuasiveness. 

In comparison, talented actors are establishing with their creativity and talent in cinema, earning respect of audience and compelling the media to report their ware. The connection of movie and media is legendary and certain section of media controlled by filmi dynasties is entirely partial and opinionated. It’s sad that certain journalists, encouraging nepotism in Industry pen admirable chapters on underperformers. How far they can go in exaggerated endorsement…

Every day, we come across mass media salvos, about star kids and kin in bold print, “they setting internet on fire in shorts/gym looks, rocking with airport fashion”, not only shows the constant encouragement to nepotism, making its foundation strong. Recently, an actor from film family, displaying mighty muscles (newly acquired, known for all wrong reasons) unsuccessful in films, still getting press coverage, is beyond imagination.

Nepotism has blemished the quality of Indian cinema, inhibiting new ideas, techniques and portrayals, limiting to gross display of metro sexuality. The extravagant show linked to dense nurturing of nepotistic custom is no longer appreciated by keen intellect of audience and critic alike. Fortunately, good performances are appreciated and some of “new wave” cinema has succeeded just by word of mouth, though dismantling edifice of nepotism is challenging as well as difficult.

Unfortunately, the nepotism web laced with the threads of favouritism and cronyism, is unfairly curtailing the opportunities for proficient newcomers in Indian cinema, as also unjustified to the audience who have the legitimate right to see the best talent come forward and contribute to Indian film Industry. 

Anuradha Singh
17th June, 2019

a.singhlink@gmail.com

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