"I think it is dumbfounding and not true.”
Emraan Hashmi has addressed the nepotism issue in Bollywood, particularly the comments made by Kangana Ranaut in previous years.
Emraan expressed his admiration for Kangana as both an artist and an individual.
He acknowledged her concerns regarding nepotism within the film industry but also described her statements as surprising.
Emraan recounted his experience working with Kangana on Gangster, highlighting her prominent role in the production despite his own established success at the time.
He debunked the notion that nepotism solely dictates opportunities within Bollywood, citing Kangana’s significant breakthrough in the industry.
While acknowledging the potential challenges within the industry, Emraan Hashmi cautioned against generalising and vilifying Bollywood as a whole.
He said: “I like Kangana a lot personally, as an artist, and as a person.
“Maybe she might have had some bad experiences in the film industry.
“My experience with Kangana was such, that I had given a hit that time, but still in Gangster I took the villain’s role where she was given centre stage.
“It was almost like a female-centric film.
“So, I don’t know when this perception about the industry started and people started saying that we all are drug addicts or the industry only works through nepotism.
“I think it is dumbfounding and not true.”
He stressed the importance of a balanced perspective, recognising that while nepotism may exist, it does not define the entire industry.
The actor emphasised the need for outsiders to draw inspiration from success stories such as Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra, who achieved stardom without familial connections in the industry.
Emraan urged individuals to adopt a mindset of “crazily optimistic” perseverance rather than succumbing to defeatism.
His comments on nepotism underscore the nuanced dynamics within Bollywood, urging for a deeper understanding of the multifaceted issues at play.
Emraan Hashmi and Kangana Ranaut have collaborated on multiple films beyond Gangster, including Raaz: The Mystery Continues, Once Upon A Time In Mumbai, and Ungli.
Their professional association underscores the complexity of relationships within the industry amid debates about nepotism.
Kangana Ranaut’s vocal stance on nepotism gained significant traction following her remarks on Koffee with Karan in 2017.
On the show, she famously referred to Karan Johar as the flag-bearer of nepotism.
Her comments sparked widespread debate and garnered renewed attention in the wake of Sushant Singh Rajput’s tragic demise.
Meanwhile, Emraan Hashmi is gearing up for the release of Showtime, his upcoming web series exploring the theme of nepotism.
The show also stars Mouni Roy, Naseeruddin Shah and Mahima Makwana.
It is set to premiere on Disney+ Hotstar on March 8, 2024.
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