06 June,2026 03:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Imtiaz Ali on nepo kids (Pics/Instagram)
Despite their privileged access, star kids often find themselves under greater scrutiny. Over the years, countless actors and filmmakers have been asked to weigh in on the issue. Now, filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, who has worked with actors like Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and several others, has stated that these actors face more pressure than outsiders as they strive to prove themselves at every step.
Sharing his perspective on the long-standing insider-versus-outsider debate in Bollywood, filmmaker Imtiaz Ali argued that star kids often face a different kind of pressure. He said, "I feel that Alia, Ranbir, and many other actors and people of the film industry who have been born in the film industry go through an added toughness because they've got examples of success right around them. They have to compete with their own fathers, uncles, and mothers to call themselves, in their own minds, successful. People coming from outside have it easier, like me."
Imtiaz further praised actors Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, stating that while they may come from film backgrounds, their talent and performances have helped them earn their place in the industry. He explained, "Ranbir is an actor today in the film industry; there is no doubt. You can call him a nepo child, but actually, those doubts are dispelled because he's so fantastic. Alia Bhatt is so fantastic that you will not grudge the fact that she got the role; you would want her to get more roles. It's like that, but one has to earn that. People who are born into the film industry have to earn it even more."
For those unversed, Imtiaz collaborated with Alia on Highway, while he worked with Ranbir Kapoor on Tamasha.
Main Vaapas Aaunga is set in Imtiaz Ali's evocative world of love and longing, starring Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari Wagh, and Vedang Raina in pivotal roles. Produced by Sameer Nair and Deepak Segal of Applause Entertainment, and Mohit Choudhary and Shibasish Sarkar of Window Seat Films, the film releases in cinemas on June 12. Notably, this marks his second collaboration with Diljit after their hit Amar Singh Chamkila.
