Amid the ongoing debates and controversies surrounding nepotism in Bollywood, actor-turned-producer Arbaaz Khan has shared his candid perspectives in a recent interaction with the media. With a career span of multiple decades under his belt, Arbaaz discussed how familial ties may open doors in the industry but do not guarantee a sustained career.
The film fraternity has long been scrutinized for its perceived favoritism towards the kin of established industry personalities. However, Arbaaz, who recently produced the Raveena Tandon-starrer ‘Patna Shuklla,’ has highlighted an often-overlooked facet of this argument. During his conversation on the show Timeout With Ankit, he elucidated on the topic by comparing it to other professions, stating, “If your father is a doctor or a lawyer, you will have access to others in those professions.”
Arbaaz, alongside his family, has been a part of the Indian cinema landscape, courtesy of their father Salim Khan, a renowned scriptwriter. Despite their well-known last name, Arbaaz emphasizes that mere connections do not translate into work. He explained, “As actors, if we wanted to meet someone from the industry, it was possible for us because our father was part of Bollywood. Meeting someone becomes easier if your father is part of the industry, but that doesn’t guarantee work.”
The conversations around nepotism have further intensified in the wake of the untimely demise of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, leading to a potent discourse about the challenges outsiders face in the industry. But Arbaaz argues against the notion that one’s lineage can secure one’s position, “It may give you a break but won’t build your career. Sohail and I may not be as successful as other superstars or our brother Salman Khan, for that matter, but we are still here. We are working and are busy doing other things.”
Speaking to his and his brother Sohail’s careers, he acknowledges that while they may not have achieved the superstardom of their elder brother Salman Khan, they have carved their niches and have been persistent in their endeavours. This, according to Arbaaz, is a testament to the fact that long-term success in Bollywood is not a by-product of favors but of hard work, “Koi kisi ke upar favour nahin karta,” he iterated, underscoring that favors are not a driving force for career advancement.
Further shedding light on his upcoming production ‘Patna Shuklla,’ Arbaaz expressed his pride in bringing to the front a powerful narrative set deep within the Indian societal context. The film stars Raveena Tandon in a compelling role as a tenacious lawyer named Patna Shukla, and it throws the spotlight on an educational scam that impacts countless students in India. “Patna Shuklla is a very special story, the journey of Patna Shukla a.k.a. Tanvi Shukla is uncommon yet relatable,” said Arbaaz.
The makers of the film released a gripping trailer showcasing Raveena as the intrepid advocate who stands up against an injustice faced by a student wrongfully failed in an examination. The film also stars late actor Satish Kaushik, who delivered a memorable performance as a judge in the courtroom drama, and Manav Vij in pivotal roles.
Directed by the talented Vivek Budakoti, ‘Patna Shuklla’ is slated to release on an OTT platform on March 29, marking a significant contribution to the slate of meaningful and socially relevant cinema produced in recent times.
Through candid revelations and stimulating discussions, Arbaaz Khan’s recent insights into the industry dynamics offer a fresh perspective on the age-old debate of nepotism, which remains one of Bollywood’s most contemplative dialogues. The professional journeys of the Khan brothers continue to evoke discussions on meritocracy and the myriad paths toward recognition in the world of entertainment.
