Mrunal Thakur, known for her roles in popular television shows and Bollywood films, recently opened up about her views on nepotism in the entertainment industry. During the 21st Jio Mami Film Festival in 2019, Thakur shared a shocking revelation regarding an incident involving the media's pursuit of Janhvi Kapoor for an interview. She emphasized that blaming star kids for nepotism is unfair, stating that the fault lies with the common people who are overly interested in their lives.

Nepotism has been a subject of intense debate in Bollywood, initially sparked by actress Kangana Ranaut. Different perspectives have emerged, with some acknowledging its existence in the film industry, while others argue against its relevance. Many Bollywood star kids have also expressed that while their family connections may open doors for opportunities, it is ultimately their talent that determines their success.

Mrunal Thakur, after gaining fame through the television series Kumkum Bhagya, made her Bollywood debut with Love Sonia and garnered further recognition for her role opposite Hrithik Roshan in Super 30. She went on to star in high-budget films such as Batla House, Jersey, and Sita Ramam.

During the 21st Jio Mami Film Festival, when questioned about nepotism in Bollywood, Thakur cited an incident involving Janhvi Kapoor and the media's overwhelming attention towards her. She pointed out that it was not Janhvi Kapoor's fault but rather the public's fascination with star kids that perpetuated the issue. Thakur shared a personal experience where, during an award night interview, the media abruptly shifted their focus to a star kid, leaving her interview incomplete. Despite winning the Best Actor Critics award that night, she wasn't even given the opportunity to deliver an acceptance speech.

Thakur expressed that it is incorrect to solely blame star kids for nepotism, as it is the audience and the media who play a significant role in creating the hype around them. She highlighted that nepotism isn't prevalent within the industry, citing examples like filmmaker Karan Johar casting her and Avinash Tiwary in the same web series, Ghost Stories. Thakur believes that the responsibility also lies with the audience and the media, as they have the power to shape the narrative.

In her statement, Thakur emphasized her respect for the media and acknowledged that her success is, in part, due to their role in reaching out to the audience. However, she also pointed out the contradiction where the same media outlets that discuss nepotism are the ones fueling the public's fascination with star kids.

The discussion surrounding nepotism in Bollywood is multi-faceted, with valid arguments presented from different perspectives. While it is essential to address the issue and create a level playing field for talent, it is equally important to recognize that the responsibility doesn't solely rest on star kids. The audience and the media's role in perpetuating the hype and interest in their lives also contributes to the perpetuation of nepotism. It is crucial for the industry and its stakeholders to collectively work towards a fair and inclusive environment that promotes talent and diversity.