Nepotism has been a hot topic in Bollywood in recent years, but not too long ago, actors from film families didn’t face as much criticism from the audience. Still, even veteran actors admit that some media scrutiny existed two decades ago. In an honest conversation with Hindustan Times, Tusshar Kapoor reflected on his debut year in the industry and the challenges he faced from those trying to ‘bring him down’.
Tusshar Kapoor opens up about early career struggles and facing negativity; says, “Bahut neecha giraane ki koshish, bahut negativity thi”
Tusshar, son of Jeetendra, made his acting debut with Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai in 2001. He acknowledged that the conversation around nepotism wasn’t as widespread when he started, but it was already emerging. “It had started in my time, too. Especially if you were from a film background, then the glass is always half empty for a certain section of the media. You have to be very thick-skinned. Bahut neecha giraane ki koshish, bahut negativity thi.”
Tusshar explained that a certain segment of the media was always looking to criticize star kids no matter what they did. He said, “If you come to a press conference naturally without makeup and hair, you are criticised that aap hero dikhne ke laayak nahi ho. If you come with makeup and hair done, you are told you are too filmy. Everyone was trying to pull you down.”
Having spent 24 years in the industry, Tusshar believed that developing a thick skin early on was crucial. “I consider myself fortunate to have the willpower to endure the negativity and focus solely on my work. It was that dedication that helped me move forward. When Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai released and did well, it eased the pressure; otherwise, I might have been overwhelmed. I never entered the industry feeling pressured to meet anyone’s expectations, but there was definitely an ongoing attempt to judge and derail me. Still, the audience is pure—they judge you based on what they see on screen.”
The common belief is that star kids are born with a silver spoon, but Tusshar disagreed. “Contrary to popular opinion, being a star’s son doesn’t mean you have a red carpet rolled out for you,” he stated frankly. He added, “You can get your first film much easier. It can come into your lap. But even that is a chance. To finish that film and what choices you make after that, it’s all unknown. The constant scrutiny and that feeling of ‘no matter what you do, the glass is half empty’, that is something you have to face and move on from.”
The actor also pointed out the unfair treatment star kids often face compared to outsiders. He explained, “There are so many actors who are not from an industry background who haven’t had that kind of success. But they are hailed as icons of diversity. And there are a number of actors like me who are from the industry, we are always judged. No matter how many successful films we do, we hear ‘acha ye sirf multi-starrers karta hai’. You have to learn to ignore it.”
Tusshar is currently starring in the horror-comedy Kapkapiii. Directed by Sangeeth Sivan, the film also features Shreyas Talpade and it released in theatres on May 23.
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