Star kids Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani have stepped into the world of Bollywood with Abhishek Kapur’s directorial, Azaad. As the nephew of Ajay Devgn and the daughter of Raveena Tandon, the duo has been receiving appreciation for their performances. In a candid conversation with Filmfare’s Editor-in-Chief, Jitesh Pillai, on In the Ring with Filmfare, they shared their thoughts on the ongoing debate surrounding nepotism in the industry.
Aaman Devgan on Nepotism: “Talent Cannot Be Underestimated”
Addressing the subject, Aaman remarked, “The discussion around nepotism has been ongoing for years. But when I think about it, we were born into an environment where films were always around us. Since childhood, we’ve been exposed to cameras, film sets, and the entire process of filmmaking. It’s not just about us choosing films; rather, it’s a child developing a natural love for cinema.”
He acknowledged the privilege of having an easier entry into the industry but emphasized that talent and audience reception ultimately determine an actor’s career. “There’s no denying that opportunities come more easily, but you can never underestimate talent. More importantly, the audience always knows who deserves to be here. A filmmaker like Abhishek Kapur, who has nurtured Azaad for a decade, wouldn’t cast actors solely because of their lineage—there has to be merit in that choice.”
Rasha Thadani: “Audience Is the Ultimate Judge”
Rasha echoed a similar sentiment, asserting that success in Bollywood is ultimately dictated by the audience, not lineage. “With any film, the audience is king. They recognize everything—whether an actor is talented, charismatic, or simply not good enough. As actors, our job is to work hard on our craft, deliver our best performances, and leave the rest to the viewers.”
She added, “Everyone deserves a fair chance, but if the audience doesn’t connect with you, your career won’t last—regardless of where you come from. On the other hand, if they appreciate your work, you will thrive. It’s all about putting in the effort and proving your worth.”
Director Abhishek Kapur: “Nepotism Is About Unfairly Pulling Others Down”
Abhishek Kapur, known for launching fresh talent in the industry, backed his lead actors’ perspective. He clarified that nepotism, in its truest sense, involves disadvantaging others to promote one’s own kin—a notion he firmly rejects.
“The conversation around nepotism often puts young actors like Aaman and Rasha in a difficult spot, but the truth is, it’s not their decision—it’s the filmmaker’s. Real nepotism happens when someone deliberately hinders another’s progress to advance their own child’s career. That’s not what’s happening here,” he explained.
Highlighting his history of introducing new talent, Kapur added, “I’ve worked with actors like Sushant Singh Rajput (Kai Po Che), who wasn’t from a film family. In Azaad, I have cast Mohit Malik in a strong role, introducing him to cinema. Similarly, actors like Amit Sadh and Rajkummar Rao have made their mark without any industry connections. The goal is always to support genuine talent, not suppress others to elevate someone unfairly.”
Final Thoughts
With Azaad marking a significant debut for Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani, their stance on nepotism reflects a growing awareness among star kids about the scrutiny they face. While their entry into the industry may have been facilitated by their lineage, both actors acknowledge that talent, dedication, and audience acceptance are what truly determine their longevity in Bollywood.
