Bollywood’s Double-Edged Sword: Meezaan Jafri on the Star Kid Struggle

New Delhi, November 24, 2025: Bollywood actor Meezaan Jafri, son of the versatile Jaaved Jaaferi, has candidly opened up about the persistent debate surrounding ‘star kids’ and the notion that they have an effortless entry into the industry. Far from agreeing with the common perception of an easy ride, the young actor stated that anyone who believes that is “quite stupid,” highlighting the immense pressure and baggage that comes with a famous family name.

Meezaan, who made his debut in 2019 and has since worked in films like Hungama 2 and the upcoming De De Pyaar De 2, acknowledges that while a famous surname might open the first door, it does not guarantee a successful career. He argues that being a star kid is a double-edged sword: there is an undeniable “easy perspective” in terms of getting initial opportunities, but this ease is immediately offset by a “difficult perspective”—the heavy burden of legacy and public scrutiny.

The Burden of Expectation

“It’s easier to come in with a clean slate than to come up with so much baggage,” the actor explained in a recent interview. He points out that star children carry the weight of their parents’ success and the audience’s lofty expectations right from the start.

In a highly competitive industry, the success or failure of a star kid is often magnified and judged more harshly than that of a newcomer without industry connections. The “nepotism” tag, which has become a volatile topic in Bollywood discussions, places an almost immediate, intense spotlight on these actors. Meezaan emphasizes that he is acutely aware of the assumption that because he is Jaaved Jaaferi’s son, he must be a phenomenal dancer and comedian, driving him to work even harder to meet or surpass those expectations.

Work is the Ultimate Answer

Meezaan’s perspective is deeply rooted in the belief that in cinema, the audience’s verdict is final. He is firm in the view that no matter whose son or daughter one is, the ultimate key to survival is good work and performance. If an actor fails to deliver, the audience will “reject them immediately.”

He also recalled witnessing the struggles of his own father, Jaaved Jaaferi, earlier in his career—having to take on roles that were below his potential just to pay the bills and maintain the family’s lifestyle. This firsthand observation has instilled in Meezaan a grounded understanding of the industry’s volatility and the necessity of focusing on one’s craft rather than the surrounding noise.

Navigating the Industry

In a complex film ecosystem, where groups and production houses often work within closed circles, Meezaan shared his practical approach. He chooses projects based on what is genuinely offered to him, prioritizing the quality of the script, the director, and the producer over simply taking any job for the sake of working. This quiet focus on quality, he believes, will eventually allow his work to speak for itself.

Meezaan Jafri’s comments serve as a valuable reminder that while privilege may offer an entry point, it often introduces a unique set of challenges and pressures. For a star kid, the journey isn’t just about making it; it’s about making it while carrying an inherited spotlight, a task that requires immense resilience and hard work.