The Nepotism Saga

nep·o·tism 

noun

the practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs

This is the official definition of Nepotism, it has been a prevalent practice since eons. Monarchy was the earliest form of Nepotism. In modern era it has evolved into a form of its own at least in India where often businesses (public traded corporations at that) are often handed down from father to son or at least within the family to the exclusion of talent and capability.

The primary examples are many: Tatas, Birlas, Ambanis, Hindjuas... 

Nepotism is often seen in its extreme in the Hindi Film Industry, this was brought out in public fracas between Kangana Ranaut and Karan Johar in his own show Koffee with Karan where Ms. Ranaut called him the flagbearer of nepotism and instead of introspection at that time, Mr. Johar proudly owned to the nepotism slogan going so far to co-opt Saif Ali Khan, Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt into the fracas.

The debate was reignited time and time again especially during the awards show timeframe when good, character driven content was overlooked to award mediocrity and star kids specifically. This was the accepted norm, where the movie business operated in the form of cliques and nobody complained about it openly unless they wanted to be stonewalled by the industry.

Then came the suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput and the debate regarding nepotism has reared its head again in a fierce and unrelenting form, with people taking out all their angst and anger on the social media.

Mr. Rajput is being considered as a victim of the cronyism and nepotism that exists in the industry, people felt that he was not being given his due and the cliques did not allow for this considerably talented actor to flourish in the trade. While this might have been a factor, it should not be glossed over that he was being treated for clinical depression and the lack of any note when he took this extreme step also throws confusion on the exact causes.

Whatever be the case, it is a accepted fact that the ruthless cutthroat and highly secretive way that the Hindi Film Industry works was a contributor to his mental state in some form or shape. It was in some shape or form responsible for being a factor in his taking the extreme step. 

The industry needs to clean up its act and a balance of power must be restored where meritocracy must be allowed to flourish and mediocrity must be rejected, it also largely rests on us - THE COMMON PEOPLE to ensure that merit is allowed to succeed and the products of nepotism and cronyism are rejected.

If that means you boycott the movies of star kids then so be it. For every star kid who gets a double or triple opportunity to survive in the industry, there is a Sushant Singh Rajput who is so dejected and broken that he takes the extreme step of taking his own life. 

Rest In Peace Sushant!!!! All the thoughts, prayer and strength to your family, and friends, and fans to carry on without you....

The common man needs to choose and choose responsibly. The ball is now in our court, lets make it count.