Karan Johar, the prominent Bollywood filmmaker, has vehemently defended actress Alia Bhatt against persistent nepotism accusations, labeling those who continue to do so as “the most idiotic person on this planet.” In a recent interview with Baradwaj Rangan for Galatta Plus, Johar expressed his frustration with the ongoing narrative surrounding Bhatt, who was launched into the film industry by Johar himself in the 2012 film “Student of the Year.”
Johar, known for his close bond with Bhatt and often referring to her as his “first daughter,” pointed to her critically acclaimed performances in films like “Highway,” “Udta Punjab,” “Raazi,” and “Gangubai Kathiawadi” as evidence of her talent and hard work. He questioned the logic of still labeling her a “nepo kid” despite such a diverse and impactful filmography.
“Have you seen Highway? Have you seen Udta Punjab? Have you seen Raazi? Have you seen Gangubai?” Johar asked pointedly during the interview. “Just see her movies. If you are still calling her a nepo kid, then you’ve got to be the most idiotic person on this planet—and no one can help you.”
The debate around nepotism in Bollywood often resurfaces, particularly targeting star kids. Bhatt, daughter of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and actress Soni Razdan, has frequently faced such criticism despite her consistent delivery of powerful performances that have earned her numerous accolades and widespread recognition as one of the leading actresses in the country.
Johar has often been at the receiving end of criticism for allegedly promoting nepotism in the industry. However, he has consistently maintained that he recognizes and nurtures talent, regardless of their background. His strong defense of Alia Bhatt underscores his belief in her capabilities and his exasperation with what he perceives as baseless and repetitive accusations.
He further elaborated on his genuine affection and admiration for Alia, explaining that his frequent praise for her stems from a place of deep personal connection. “She’s the first person I felt parental about,” Johar had stated in a previous interview with ETimes. “I love her and the country knows she’s one of our finest actors. I have a tremendous amount of love, respect, and admiration, and I’m allowed to say what I want about her. So, if I cry at her good news and I really feel good, then I’m allowed to. I’m like a parent to her. Why should I be pretending for optics? I genuinely love her, and I want to say it all the time.”
Johar’s impassioned defense arrives at a time when the scrutiny around star kids and their opportunities in Bollywood remains intense. While acknowledging the existence of family connections in the industry, Johar emphasizes that ultimately, it is talent and perseverance that determine an actor’s success, a point he believes Alia Bhatt has emphatically proven through her work.