Netflix’s The Roshans docu-series, a detailed look into the lives and contributions of the influential Roshan family to Bollywood, has sparked significant conversation in the film industry.
The series highlights the inspiring journey of Hrithik Roshan and his family, delving into the roles they’ve played in shaping the landscape of Indian cinema.
However, one particular moment in the series has grabbed headlines—Priyanka Chopra’s comments about how the Roshan family has given opportunities to individuals from outside the film industry.
In the final segment of the series, where various celebrities share their thoughts on Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, who starred alongside Hrithik in Krrish and Krrish 3, praised the Roshan family for their inclusive approach. She lauded them for making their “table longer,” welcoming those from outside the film industry to join Bollywood and build their careers.
Priyanka’s words, “They make their table longer.
They pull in people like me, who didn’t grow up in the industry, and create opportunities so that it’s not just them who are benefiting from what they’ve been able to create,” were particularly significant, given her own background of coming from outside the industry. This statement resonated with many in the audience, as it acknowledged the Roshans’ efforts to give others a chance in a notoriously closed-off industry.
However, Rakesh Roshan, Hrithik’s father and a veteran filmmaker, has since responded to these comments.
In an interview with Draw Your Box, he expressed his views on the issue of nepotism, a topic that often dominates discussions in Bollywood. Rakesh strongly refuted the notion of nepotism, stating,
“Actually, I feel like there is nothing like nepotism. We always cast people who are right for the role. I knew Hrithik well and saw how hard he worked. He assisted me for four years, and when he joined the school and showcased his acting, I could see he had everything it took. That’s when I decided to launch him,”
Rakesh explained his perspective, saying that his decisions regarding casting have always been based on the suitability of the actor for the role, rather than any family ties. He added that nepotism, in the way it is often discussed, doesn’t exist in their approach to the industry.
He elaborated on Hrithik’s journey, mentioning that he observed his son’s dedication and hard work firsthand. “I knew Hrithik well and saw how hard he worked. He assisted me for four years, and when he joined the school and showcased his acting, I could see he had everything it took,” Rakesh shared. This personal insight into Hrithik’s work ethic and talent was crucial in Rakesh’s decision to launch him in Bollywood.
Rakesh made it clear that Hrithik’s success was based on his merit. “Had he not had all these things, I would have never launched him. So we launch actors and actresses on their capability,” he asserted, reinforcing that the Roshan family’s approach to the industry is grounded in recognizing talent rather than relying on family connections.
These comments from Rakesh Roshan come at a time when the issue of nepotism in Bollywood has been a topic of much debate. The term “nepotism” refers to the practice of favoring family members or close friends in professional settings, especially in the film industry, where many actors and directors have strong family connections. While some argue that nepotism is a systemic issue in Bollywood, others, like Rakesh, assert that it is the merit of the individual that should determine success, and that talent should be the deciding factor, not familial ties.
Priyanka Chopra, on the other hand, has shared her own experiences regarding nepotism in the industry. She has often spoken about the challenges she faced as an outsider in Bollywood. On Dax Shepard’s podcast, Priyanka openly discussed the disparities between multi-generational actors who have the backing of powerful families and those like her, who came from outside the industry. She revealed how, when her films weren’t successful, she didn’t have the safety net that actors with family connections in the industry might enjoy. She explained, “You don’t have your uncle making a movie for you just because your last one tanked,” reflecting on the difficulties she faced without family support in a highly competitive industry.
Despite her challenges, Priyanka acknowledged the efforts of the Roshans to create a more inclusive environment for outsiders. Her admiration for the way the Roshan family has welcomed people like her into Bollywood stands as a testament to their willingness to foster a more diverse and open industry.
The debate on nepotism is far from over, but Rakesh Roshan’s statements make it clear that, for him and his family, the emphasis has always been on hard work, dedication, and merit. The Roshan family’s approach to Bollywood is a mix of nurturing talent and creating opportunities for those who have earned them, regardless of their background.
As the conversation around nepotism continues to evolve, both Priyanka and Rakesh’s perspectives offer valuable insights into the complexities of the film industry, where talent, family connections, and hard work all play significant roles in determining success. The dialogue around nepotism remains a contentious issue, but as both Priyanka and Rakesh have demonstrated, there are multiple angles to the discussion that reflect the diverse experiences of those involved in Bollywood.
Ultimately, the question of nepotism in Bollywood is not easily answered, but it is clear that for both the Roshans and Priyanka Chopra, success is about more than just family ties—it’s about passion, talent, and perseverance.