After Karan Johar, Alia Bhatt REACTS To Nepotism Debate; Says, ‘I Had An Easier Path To…’

Alia Bhatt On Nepotism: Alia Bhatt is one of the most talented Bollywood actress. Over the years she has proven her versatility as an actress with movies like Gangubai Kathiawadi, Raazi, among several others. Even her last release, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was lauded by critics and fans alike.

Being the daughter of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and actress Soni Razdan, and making her Bollywood debut with Karan Johar's 'Student Of The Year', the actress has often garnered unwanted attention and has also met with accusations of nepotism. Now, during an interview with InStyle Australia, Alia shedded light on her journey in the world of cinema and also addressed these accusations with candor.

She began by dispelling the misconception that her father paved the way for her acting career, stating, "So I naturally was also more inclined towards it, but it is not like my father ever spoke to me like, 'Oh, the day you want to act, we will give you this movie.' He never brought that up. Never. And, in fact, my mum struggled as an actor. Not many people know this. She was always looking for more work as an actor. She does not feel like she got her acting due, and this is being married to a director and producer."

Despite her initial defensive stance on the issue, Alia Bhatt has since come to terms with her privilege and the advantages she had from her background. She remarked, "My initial response to it was very defensive. Because I just felt like, you know, I work hard, so why the question? But I think with time and age, you realize that there is a lot of struggle in the world. There is a case in admitting the head start and acknowledging I had an easier path to get into the room."

While Alia has been candid about her journey, her mentor and the director who launched her career, Karan Johar, has remained unapologetic about casting her in his films. Speaking during Mid-Day's Sit with Hitlist, Johar said, "I haven't and I will not apologize for anything. I will cast who I feel is right. If that person happens to be related to somebody in the industry, then so be it. Alia is like my first child. I will always love her in public, in person, and she will always be part of my life, and you can keep saying things, you can call me what you want."

Amidst this ongoing discourse on nepotism, Alia Bhatt continues to excel in her craft, recently being announced as the recipient of the 69th National Film Awards for Best Actress for her outstanding performance in "Gangubai Kathiawadi."