Bollywood director and choreographer Farah Khan has opened up about nepotism in the film industry, expressing empathy for outsiders facing financial and emotional struggles.
Speaking on Sania Mirza’s podcast, the filmmaker reflected on the stark contrast between star kids’ experiences and those who fight to make a name for themselves.
Farah Khan on understanding outsiders’ anger
Known for her candid and straightforward views, the 60-year-old filmmaker said she fully understands the frustration many outsiders feel toward “nepo babies.”
“I can understand when people come from outside to Mumbai and have anger towards nepo babies,” she said. “They’re struggling to pay their rent every month. For them, their (star kids’) struggles seem very frivolous.”
Her remarks shed light on how privilege continues to influence Bollywood’s casting and career dynamics, a debate that resurfaces frequently in public conversations about fairness in the entertainment industry.
Financial insecurity still drives her
Farah also opened up about her personal relationship with money, admitting that her past has shaped her financial fears and ambitions.
“Till now, I’m insecure about money,” she revealed. “For me, I need to be financially secure to relax — that’s the only insecurity I have. We saw our dad go from being very rich to very poor, and for several years, we lived hand to mouth.”
The Main Hoon Na director said her family’s financial struggles continue to motivate her to work hard, adding that she doesn’t take success or stability for granted.
Farah also reflected on how “struggle stories” have turned into a trend in the industry.
“These days, everyone wants to have a struggle story, even when there isn’t one,” she remarked with a hint of irony. She expressed relief that her children won’t have to “pretend to have one,” highlighting her belief that honesty about privilege is better than false narratives.
Farah Khan married filmmaker Shirish Kunder in 2004. The couple welcomed triplets — son Czar and daughters Diva and Anya — on February 11, 2008, through IVF.
Outside filmmaking, Farah has ventured into digital content, running a YouTube channel where she films cooking vlogs with her chef, Dilip. She often visits celebrity friends’ homes for lighthearted cooking sessions, blending humor, food, and friendship into her online content.
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