The nepotism, favouritism and groupism debate in Bollywood has been gaining strength ever since people started questioning the power wielded by star kids and nexus in the aftermath of Sushant Singh Rajput’s demise. Today, it scaled new heights when several people including Shekhar Kapur, Avinash Tiwary, Apurva Asrani and others called out R Balki for his statement on not able to find better actors than Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt.
Balki in a recent interview to a leading daily had called nepotism a ‘foolish argument’. He had said, “The question is do they (star kids) have an unfair or bigger advantage? Yes, there are pros and cons. But I’d ask one simple question: Find me a better actor than Alia (Bhatt) or Ranbir (Kapoor), and we’ll argue. It’s unfair on these few people who’re probably some of the finest actors.”
However, his remark did not go down too well and reacting to his words, Avinash tweeted, “Dear #RBalki Sir, you would not know of the better Actors if they are not given an opportunity and you don’t step out to watch them.” Avinash clarified in a second tweet that he thinks both Ranbir and Alia are ‘brilliant’, “but to say tht there are no other actors beyond nd better is a statement which can only be verified if enough opportunities are given to others...” He clarified that he isn’t taking a dig at anyone.
Dear #RBalki Sir, you would not know of the better Actors if they are not given an opportunity and you don't step out to watch them. https://t.co/hlyRMhGAsq
— Avinash Tiwary (@avinashtiw85) July 17, 2020
They are absolutely brilliant! but to say tht there are no other actors beyond nd better is a statement which can only be verified if enough opportunities are given to others...
— Avinash Tiwary (@avinashtiw85) July 17, 2020
i would want you to list 5 Actors(Not from a privileged setup) given an opportunity to be part of a Mainstream film as a protagonist...in the last 5yrs.
My statement is nt to pull someone down but to put forward a fact!— Avinash Tiwary (@avinashtiw85) July 17, 2020
Shekhar Kapur who had been pretty vocal about the issue after Sushant’s death also responded to Balki’s statement. He named Rajkummar Rao, Sushant and Amit Sadh for doing a fabulous job in their film Kai Po Che!
Have huge respect for you, Balki. But i just saw Kai Po Che again last night. Three new young actors at that time. And stunning believable performances by each @filmfare https://t.co/cIvSVsfNJR
— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) July 17, 2020
He also named quite a few Hollywood actors who have made a name for themselves on their own merit.
Best actors today are coming from theatre. Theres new found respect for them. And confidence.
I’ve worked with Naseer, Shabana,Satish Kaushik, Seema Biswas and entire cast of Bandit Queen, Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Heath Ledger Daniel Craig Eddy Redmayne
All are from theatre— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) July 17, 2020
Apurva went as far as citing 22 names who are not star kids but are brilliant actors. He named Manoj Bajpayee, Rajkummar Rao, Vicky Kaushal, Ayushmann, Kangana Ranaut, Priyanka Chopra, Taapsee Pannu, Vidya Balan, Richa Chadha, Pankaj Tripathi, Gajraj Rao, Amit Sadh, Jaideep Ahlawat, Rasika Dugal, Swara Bhaskar, Shweta Tripathi, Sanjay Mishra, Neena Gupta, Divya Dutta, Manav Kaul, Nawazuddin, Jeetu.
Manoj Bajpayee, Rajkummar Rao, Vicky Kaushal, Ayushmann, Kangana Ranaut, Priyanka Chopra, Taapsee Pannu, Vidya Balan, Richa Chaddha. Many others too if we look beyond A list film families, and take a few chances. I love Ranbir & Alia, but please, they aren't the only good actors. https://t.co/G8ddYv8LVc
— Apurva (@Apurvasrani) July 17, 2020
Pankaj Tripathi, Gajraj Rao, Amit Sadh, Jaideep Ahlawat, Rasika Dugal, Swara Bhaskar, Shweta Tripathi, Sanjay Mishra, Neena Gupta, Divya Dutta, Manav Kaul, Nawazuddin, Jeetu. My god, I could go on & on about the wonderful talents we have. Stop fussing over the same 3-4 names now!
— Apurva (@Apurvasrani) July 17, 2020
He added, “Some filmmakers & journalists are so star struck, that they gush over mediocre actors with famous surnames. Repeatedly, these actors headline projects & the press gushes. Talented actors are mostly used as garnishing--to make the mediocre look better, but NEVER to outshine them.”
(Source: Twitter/Hindustan Times)
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