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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