Filmmaker Reema Kagti has weighed in on the long-standing nepotism debate in Bollywood, arguing that while audiences frequently express outrage over the lack of opportunities for outsiders, their viewing habits tell a completely different story.
In a frank interview, the Talaash and Goldfish director turned the mirror on the audience, questioning their own role in perpetuating the system.
‘We are living in a world of superstars’
“There is a lot of talk about nepotism and that outsiders don’t get work. But at the end of the day, people still only watch A-list superstar films. They will create ruckus that, ‘Oh, there’s a star kid launching, this is terrible.’ But they don’t go and watch other films,” Kagti told PTI.
She argued that the industry is driven by economics. “It is also a business of putting bums on seats. So you also have to question yourself—are you watching enough films with new actors, new directors, new stories? Nine out of ten times the answer is no.”
“If people genuinely want to change the system, they have to start paying for tickets to watch lesser-known actors. You cannot complain that the same five stars are in every film if you don’t support alternative cinema,” she added.
‘Rejection is painful’
Kagti also spoke candidly about her early years in the industry, recalling how she was repeatedly told she didn’t fit the “formula.”
“When I started, people told me my scripts were too dark, that I didn’t understand ‘masala.’ I was rejected many times. It’s painful. But you can’t wait for validation. You have to make your own door.”
She credited her long-time collaborators Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar for giving her the freedom to tell unconventional stories. “Farhan and Zoya never once told me to ‘add a song’ or ‘lighten the mood.’ They trusted my voice. That is rare. That is why Excel Entertainment remains one of the most important production houses in the country.”
Javed Akhtar’s influence
Kagti also spoke about the influence of veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar on her work.
“He is a man of immense integrity. He once told me, ‘Your writing is your signature. Don’t let anyone else hold the pen.’ I carry that with me every day. It’s easy to get swayed by box office pressures, but he taught me to hold my ground.”
Kagti’s upcoming directorial Goldfish, starring Kalki Koechlin and debutant Shantanu, is set against the backdrop of a coastal Maharashtrian town and explores themes of dementia and fractured family bonds. The film is produced by Kagti’s own banner, Tiger Baby Films, in association with Jio Studios.
The hypocrisy of outrage
Her comments come amid renewed debate over insider-outsider dynamics in Bollywood, following several high-profile launches of star children in the past year. While social media often criticizes these launches, box office numbers suggest audiences continue to flock to these films.
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap had previously voiced a similar sentiment during the 2021 nepotism debate, stating, “If you want outsiders, go watch their films. Don’t just tweet. The industry follows money.”
Kagti’s intervention shifts the spotlight back onto the audience, asking them to examine their own consumption patterns before pointing fingers at the industry.
“Every time you buy a ticket, you are voting. If you vote for the same five people every time, that’s what the industry will give you. You cannot have it both ways,” she said.
Goldfish is scheduled for a theatrical release on July 10, 2026.
