Don’t cover NEPO BABIES if you don’t want them to blow up

In a recent conversation Karan Johar talks about the debate surrounding nepotism and star kids and also claims that its the media that make them stars not him.

Published: Wednesday,May 07, 2025 11:20 AM GMT-06:00

In the ever-contentious debate around nepotism in Bollywood, filmmaker Karan Johar has often found himself at the center of public scrutiny. Known for launching star kids and shaping careers, Johar has also faced sharp criticism for allegedly sidelining outsiders. But in a candid and unfiltered conversation, he challenges the one-sided nature of that narrative, calling for a more nuanced understanding of his contributions.

While Johar clarifies that he’s not seeking praise, he argues that critics should at least acknowledge the full scope of his contributions.

“I’m not asking for praise. I’m just putting forth analytics. If you believe in data, I’m giving you data. Every year, I introduce at least one new actor who’s also an outsider. But no one talks about them. No one appreciates them.”

My request is: don’t make them stars yourselves. Don’t go after them at gyms, outside buildings, at parties. Don’t cover them if you don’t want them to become big.” You made them stars first, then criticized them for being stars.

– Karan Johar

He also challenged the media’s role in creating and amplifying celebrity culture ironically, often fueling the very narrative they later criticize.

“But if it’s a ‘branded nepo kid,’ you will definitely talk. My request is: don’t make them stars yourselves. Don’t go after them at gyms, outside buildings, at parties. Don’t cover them if you don’t want them to become big.” You made them stars first, then criticized them for being stars. Then someone casts them because they’re already visible then you say they stole someone else’s chance. So tell me if you’re trolling me for launching a nepo kid, why aren’t you also praising me for mounting my biggest film on an outsider?”

In this raw and reflective conversation, Karan Johar asks for a more balanced dialogue, one that moves beyond buzzwords and digs into the complexities of the entertainment industry. He doesn’t deny that nepotism exists, but insists that the story isn’t black and white. Perhaps it’s time for the conversation to reflect that, too. Social media, as we know, has become a web of lies, deceit, fame and hate altogether, where things can change in minutes and can easily make or break a person.