Zoya Akhtar reacts to Nepotism debate post The Archies release; asks, “Who are you to tell me what to do with my money?”

The debate on nepotism, which kick-started years ago on a chat show, continues to be one of the most discussed topics in Bollywood even today. While struggling actors with no filmy background often speak about star kids who are privileged to get an entry into the film industry, the latter has reacted to these comments by adding that they face their own share of struggle in terms of audiences’ expectations and acceptance. Recently, the debate resurfaced when filmmaker Zoya Akhtar launched three star kids, namely Suhana Khan, Agastya Nanda, and Khushi Kapoor in her film The Archies.

Zoya Akhtar recently spoke candidly about the nepotism debate wherein she maintained that having a star kid in her film doesn’t affect or change anybody’s life. In an interview with Juggernaut, she said, “I think it (the debate) is about privilege, access, and social capital. I completely understand having anger or frustration at the fact that you do not have the access some people get so easily. That is a conversation to be had. Everyone needs to have the same kind of education, job opportunities, et al. But when you turn around and say Suhana Khan shouldn’t be in my film, it’s banal because it’s not going to change your life whether she’s in my film or not. You have to talk about what is going to change your life.”

She further went on to assert what she does with her money is her business and not anyone else’s. She continued, “My dad came from nowhere and made a life for himself. I was born and bred in the industry, and I have every right to follow whatever I want to do. As part of his network and what he made, I know those people. What am I going to do, disown my dad because I want to be a filmmaker? Are you saying I can’t choose my profession? It makes no sense. The actual problem is something else, and this is just like beating a dead horse… it’s not going to do anything. If every kid born into the film industry never worked in cinema, it’s still not going to change your life.”

“Nepotism is when I take public money or someone else’s money and favour my friends and family. Nepotism cannot be when I take my own money! Who are you to tell me what to do with my money? It’s my money! If tomorrow I want to spend my money on my niece, it’s my problem. At the end of the day, if a director or an actor gets another job, it is solely on the audiences. Viewers decide if they want to see them or not,” the filmmaker concluded.

The Archies also features non-star kids making their debut which includes Mihir Ahuja, Vedang Raina, Yuvraj Menda, and Dot. The film released on Netflix on December 7.

Also Read: Dot aka Aditi Saigal talks about The Archies; says, “Feels wonderful to receive all this love and appreciation for Archies!”

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Photos: Celebs snapped at the launch of Cosy Box in Worli

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Photos: Kriti Sanon, Mouni Roy and Boman Irani snapped at the airport

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Aanjjan Srivastava opens up about his experience with Shah Rukh Khan; appreciates how he did a cameo in Wagle Ki Duniya

Shah Rukh Khan, who is currently the biggest superstar in Bollywood today, has always received a lot of love from industry insiders as everyone continues to gush about the actor’s humility, sincerity, and hardworking nature. Besides being a megastar, the journey of the star too has been an inspirational one since he is hailed as a self-made superstar in the industry. Recalling about his struggling days, recently was veteran actor Aanjjan Srivastava who traced the journey of the superstar when he kick-started work in shows like Circus and also opened up about his cameo in Wagle Ki Duniya.

For the unversed, Shah Rukh Khan started his career in the entertainment industry as a theatre actor as well as a television star who has done some of the most intriguing shows like Fauji and Circus. Aanjjan Srivaastava, who was a then superstar of television, recently featured in an interview with Mukesh Khanna, where he recalled working with some of the great personalities in the Indian entertainment industry and among them was also Shah Rukh Khan.

Describing him as ‘inquisitive ladka’, Aanjjan spoke about how Shah Rukh Khan was keen on doing even a miniscule role in Wagle Ki Duniya, a show based on the characters created by the late famous cartoonist R.K. Laxman. He said, “He was offered a small role in Wagle Ki Duniya. He jumped on the offer and said I’ll do it, just tell me what to do. He was not a star at the time and he had such sportsman spirit.” Furthermore, he also revealed about how Shah Rukh Khan would often ask him if his reaction for a scene is right or no when they worked together in films like Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman.

In fact, Aanjjan Srivastava also played the role of SRK’s father in the romantic-comedy Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, featuring Suchitra Krishnamurthy and Deepak Tijori. The actors have also worked together in the Urmila Matondkar, Naseeruddin Shah starrer Chamatkar.

Shah Rukh Khan, who is currently hailed as one of the biggest superstars of Indian cinema, received a lot of appreciation post his work in films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, to name a few which went on to make him a legendary star of Indian Cinema. This year, the actor enjoyed stupendous successes with Pathaan and Jawan becoming record-breaking mega blockbusters, earning him the title of the top superstar in the industry.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan impressed by Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone’s Fighter teaser; quips about Pathaan director Siddharth Anand’s ‘sense of humour’

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Nani had taken to social media to share his review about the recently released Animal.

Despite the uproar over misogyny and toxic patriarchy being portrayed in Animal, the Ranbir Kapoor starrer has gained massive acceptance at the box office with the industry insiders going  gaga and gushing about the movie. While many took to social media to review the film, among them was also South actor-producer Nani who couldn’t stop appreciating Ranbir and the film. In fact, in a recent interaction, the actor went on to confess that he would love to do a role which has more madness that the one played by the Kapoor boy.

In a report with Hindustan Times, Nani responded to the question of whether he would love to do a role similar to Animal and he said, “One hundred percent. Would you have ever imagined me in a story like Dasara? Till I do a role like that, you can’t. Perhaps I will even play a role with more madness than the one in Animal one day. When such challenging roles and stories come my way, I prefer to do them.”

For the unversed, Nani took to X, formerly known as Twitter, wherein he shared his review on Animal saying, “#Animal is INTERNATIONAL. @imvangasandeep is a mad genius. Ranbir, @iamRashmika and the rest of Cast and crew. take a bow.” Further in the interaction, Nani also went on to speak about how he loves to share his views and thoughts about a recently watch film as he added, “If I watch any film and I like it, I post about it on social media. I did it with Animal recently, I shared my experience as a viewer. I felt equally good when I watched my film as a viewer.”

#Animal is INTERNATIONAL.@imvangasandeep is a mad genius.
Ranbir, @iamRashmika and the rest of Cast and crew. take a bow.

— Hi Nani (@NameisNani) December 1, 2023

Speaking of Animal, the film also stars Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Triptii Dimri among others in key roles. It released on December 1 in five different languages including Telugu and Hindi.

Also Read: Animal Box Office Estimate Day 8: Creates All Time Record on 2nd Friday with Rs. 24 crores; Ranbir Kapoor defeats Shah Rukh Khan and Sunny Deol

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Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon share unseen photos with Dharmendra on his 88th birthday from the sets of their untitled film

Readers would be aware that Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films took to social media to announce the collaboration of Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon for the first time in a one-of-a-kind sci-fi romantic drama which is currently being referred to as ‘an impossible love story’. Along with the leading actors, the film is also expected to feature Dharmendra in a pivotal role. The actor, who won hearts yet again with his innocence and acting in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, will be seen in this entertaining venture too and the cast of the film had a special message for the veteran star on his 88th birthday.

Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon took to social media to pen their heartfelt birthday wishes and even posted unseen photos with Dharmendra from the sets of their untitled film. Shahid Kapoor took to his Instagram to share a photo of him clicking a selfie with the veteran actor, who seems to be quite decked up for a scene in the film. Addressing him as the original message, Shahid penned a note of admiration saying, “To the OG evergreen SUPERSTAR in every MAUSAM happy birthday @aapkadharam sir.”

 

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A post shared by Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor)

On the other hand, Kriti Sanon posted a photo of her posing with Dharmendra and a birthday message on her Instagram story which read, “You are the warmest, kindest, and such an inpsiration!! I’m lucky to have gotten the opportunity to work with you Sir! May God bless you with all the happiness and good health! <3” and she concluded it with a folded-hands emojis.

Speaking about their upcoming venture, we hear that Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon will be seen essaying the role of a scientist who falls in love with a robot, played by the actress. However, details of Dharmendra’s role is currently being kept under wraps. The film is also expected to star Dimple Kapadia in a pivotal role. Written & directed by Amit Joshi & Aradhana Sah, produced by Dinesh Vijan, Jyoti Deshpande & Laxman Utekar in association with Jio Studios, the film is expected to release in February next year.

Also Read: Salman Khan kneels at Dharmendra’s feet in heartfelt birthday post!

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Bobby Deol’s mother, Prakash Kaur, reacts to Animal; says, “Aisi film mat kiya kar tu”

Bobby Deol is basking in the glory of his recent success, having garnered praise for his compelling portrayal in the film Animal. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles, Bobby takes on the challenging character of an antagonist in the movie, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative.

The actor recently shared a delightful anecdote about his mother’s reaction to his on-screen demise during an interview with Pinkvilla. He recounted, “My mom was like, ‘Aisi film mat kiya kar tu, mujhse nahi dekha jaata’ (Don’t do such films. I can’t see this).” Despite her initial apprehension, Bobby reassured his mother, stating, “I told her, ‘Look, I’m standing in front of you, I just played a part’. But she’s very happy. The amount of phone calls she’s getting, all her friends want to meet me. Something similar happened when Aashram released.”

Bobby Deol’s journey in Animal has not only solidified his position as a versatile actor but has also brought him closer to the hearts of fans, creating a memorable chapter in his illustrious career.

Animal released on December 1, 2023. Following the unveiling of the post-credit scene, Sandeep Reddy Vanga seems to be planning a sequel called Animal Park.

Animal has emerged as a historic blockbuster and all the eyes are now to see if the film can break the lifetime collections of all-time blockbusters like Jawan, Pathaan, Gadar 2, and Baahubali 2. The trend is the best that a Hindi Origin film has seen since the release of Baahubali 2 in 2017.

It won’t be wrong to say that the word of mouth of Animal is better than the likes of Jawan, Pathaan, and Gadar 2 as these numbers are coming with an A-Rating and a Prolonged Run-Time of 3 hours and 21 minutes. The film will hold strong on the second Friday and then lay the base to grow big on Saturday and Sunday.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Bobby Deol on stellar 2023 for him and Sunny Deol after Animal and Gadar 2: “He keeps telling me ‘Come on! We have to get together’”

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