Shah Rukh Khan mocks ‘nepo kid’ Vicky Kaushal, says he succeeded without needing a godfather
The world of Bollywood is no stranger to debates around nepotism, and Shah Rukh Khan, often hailed as the “King of Bollywood,” recently added his voice to the conversation in a lighthearted but pointed way. In a recent event, Khan playfully teased Vicky Kaushal, a talented actor who has carved a niche for himself in the industry, referring to him as a ‘nepo kid’—a term commonly used to describe actors with connections or influential backgrounds in Bollywood. However, what caught everyone's attention was Shah Rukh’s admission that Kaushal had risen to the top without the help of a “godfather” or industry backing.
This seemingly fun exchange touches upon the larger issue of nepotism in Bollywood, which has long been a hot topic, dividing fans and insiders alike. In this article, we’ll explore what was said, why it’s relevant, and how the dynamics of the industry are evolving with actors like Vicky Kaushal who have succeeded without an influential last name.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Playful Dig
Shah Rukh Khan is known for his witty and humorous personality, and he didn’t hold back during a recent interview when the topic of Vicky Kaushal came up. Referring to Kaushal, Khan quipped, “Oh, he’s the nepo kid, right?” While this comment was made in jest, it clearly sparked interest given the ongoing conversations about nepotism in Bollywood.
For context, nepotism in Bollywood refers to the favoritism shown to star kids, or children of actors, directors, and producers, often allowing them easier access to opportunities compared to outsiders. Over the years, this has been a sensitive topic, with many accusing the industry of sidelining talented outsiders in favor of star kids.
However, Shah Rukh Khan was quick to follow up his comment with praise for Kaushal, adding that despite the 'nepo kid' label, Vicky’s success is purely his own doing. "He made it without needing a godfather. That’s no small feat," Khan remarked, emphasizing Kaushal's journey from an outsider to an acclaimed actor.
Vicky Kaushal’s Rise to Stardom
Vicky Kaushal’s story is one of perseverance, hard work, and undeniable talent. Unlike some Bollywood actors who were born into influential film families, Kaushal had to earn his place in the industry. Though his father, Sham Kaushal, is a well-known action director in Bollywood, Vicky’s path to becoming a lead actor was far from guaranteed.
Vicky Kaushal initially studied engineering, but he always knew that his passion lay in acting. He pursued a career in the entertainment industry, starting with small roles and working as an assistant director on Anurag Kashyap’s critically acclaimed film Gangs of Wasseypur (2012). His early days in the industry were not glamorous, and it wasn’t until his breakout role in Masaan (2015) that Kaushal gained recognition.
Masaan was an indie drama that not only won awards but also showcased Kaushal’s acting prowess, earning him widespread critical acclaim. From there, he went on to star in films like Raman Raghav 2.0, Raazi, and Sanju, before delivering his career-defining performance in the 2019 blockbuster Uri: The Surgical Strike. His role in Uri not only won him accolades but also secured his position as one of Bollywood’s most sought-after actors.
Breaking the ‘Nepo Kid’ Stereotype
What makes Vicky Kaushal’s journey particularly noteworthy is how he has managed to break the stereotype of what it means to succeed in Bollywood. In an industry where family ties often play a significant role in opening doors, Kaushal had to build his career step by step. His father may have been a part of the film industry, but being an action director’s son didn’t necessarily grant him instant stardom.
In fact, Kaushal’s journey stands as a stark contrast to that of many ‘star kids’ who often debut in big-budget films with significant fanfare, only to struggle to prove themselves. Kaushal’s rise has been more gradual, marked by roles that showcased his talent rather than his lineage. He focused on storytelling and strong characters rather than seeking out commercial successes early in his career, which ultimately earned him respect from both critics and audiences.
Nepotism Debate: Why It Still Matters
Nepotism has been a buzzword in Bollywood for years, but it gained even more traction after the tragic death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput in 2020. Many believed Rajput, a talented outsider, faced an unfair uphill battle against Bollywood’s nepotistic practices. Since then, fans and industry observers have paid closer attention to the advantages some actors receive due to their family backgrounds, often comparing them to self-made actors like Rajput or Vicky Kaushal.
Shah Rukh Khan himself is a classic example of a “self-made” actor. Coming from a non-film background, Khan made his mark in Bollywood through sheer talent, hard work, and charm. His journey from being a television actor to the “King of Bollywood” is the stuff of legend, and in many ways, Vicky Kaushal’s story mirrors this rise. This is likely why Khan’s playful comment about Kaushal being a ‘nepo kid’ resonated so strongly—because it was followed by acknowledgment of how far Kaushal has come on his own.
The nepotism debate still matters because it reflects the broader issue of gatekeeping in the film industry. For many aspiring actors, directors, and writers, breaking into Bollywood without connections can feel nearly impossible. While there are success stories like that of Vicky Kaushal, these stories are often seen as exceptions rather than the rule.
A Changing Industry?
Despite its flaws, Bollywood is slowly changing. Actors like Vicky Kaushal, Rajkummar Rao, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Taapsee Pannu have proven that it’s possible to succeed without family ties, though the path is often longer and more challenging. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have also played a crucial role in democratizing the industry, offering more opportunities for actors and filmmakers from diverse backgrounds to showcase their work.
In fact, Kaushal’s upcoming projects—such as The Immortal Ashwatthama and Sam Bahadur—are highly anticipated, and his talent continues to speak for itself. His ability to choose roles that challenge him as an actor, while still appealing to a broad audience, has helped him cement his place as one of Bollywood’s top stars.
Conclusion:
Shah Rukh Khan’s teasing remark about Vicky Kaushal being a 'nepo kid' may have been lighthearted, but it sheds light on an important issue in Bollywood: the tension between nepotism and talent. Vicky Kaushal’s rise proves that talent and hard work can trump industry connections, even in a field as competitive as Bollywood.
As the industry continues to evolve, it’s actors like Vicky who serve as a reminder that while nepotism may offer a head start, it’s talent and perseverance that ultimately lead to lasting success. In Kaushal’s case, he has succeeded without a godfather, proving that, at the end of the day, audiences value genuine talent and hard work above all else.