Sushant, Kangana, Irrfan: 10 'outsiders' who defeated nepotism to become successful

Nepotism has been a constant feature of film industry since only one family, Kapoors, were associated with showbiz. Starting with Prithviraj Kapoor to Ranbir Kapoor, family continues to give actors to film industry, but more and more film families have come to fore in recent years, and many ‘launchpads’ for ir kids have been anunced. However, many from n-film families have also made a mark in industry despite nepotism, right from likes of Meena Kumari, Dilip Kumar, Sridevi, Amitabh Bachchan, Madhubala, Meena Kumari, Dharmendra, Madhuri Dixit, Govinda, Anupam Kher, Naseeruddin Shah and more. 

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With ‘nepotism’ becoming a  talking point in film industry only in recent years and becoming a 'burning issue' once again after Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, let’s take a look at those who showed nepotism is t unbeatable in recent years .

1. Akshay Kumar 

Akshay Kumar today is considered t just among highest-paid actors of India film industry, but even international publications list him in highest-earning artists around world. journey of ‘Khiladi’ is commendable as he had also been a chef and a waiter in Thailand where he undertook martial arts training before venturing into film industry. From 14 flops in a row at one point, almost writting him off, Akshay is enjoying a golden run at box office, with his last flop coming way back in 2015.

2. Kangana Ranaut 

One National Award is considered a big achievement, and here re is one with three in her kitty, Kangana Ranaut. actor was studying to be a doctor in Manali, before fighting with her family to come to Mumbai to establish herself in industry. Anurag Basu gave her a chance with Gangster, and rest is history. Manikarnika star had numerous ups and downs in career, but delivered a blockbuster with Tanu Weds Manu Returns, apart from award-winning performances in Fashion, Queen and many or films. When a successful artist like Kangna is calling out nepotism and made it a household name, one can imagine difficulty lesser-kwn names have to go through.

3. Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra today is considered among names who made India proud on a global level, t just once. After becoming only fourth Indian to bag Miss World title, Priyanka went on to become a top star in Bollywood, delivering a blend of blockbustrs like Agneepath, Krrish 3, and critically acclaimed performances in films like Aitraaz, Fashion, Mary Kom and more. She took it forward by even working in international projects like Quantico and Baywatch, and her recent signing of a deal with Amazon Studios and Matrix 4 showcased that she has been a global star.

4.  Irrfan Khan 

t many Indian actors have made a mark in Hollywood, and Irrfan Khan is one of m.  actor, who passed away earlier this year, had started his career with a bit role in Mira Nair’s Oscar-minated Salaam Bombay. However, it was only 15 years that with films like Maqbool, Haasil, he established his mark, and went on to work in critically acclaimed films like Life… In a Metro, Namesake, Paan Singh Tomar, Piku, Talwar, Hindi Medium. He also featured in Hollywood blockbusters like Slumdog Millionaire. Amazing Sprider-Man, Jurassic World and more, apart from winning a National Award.

5. Deepika Padukone

Though from a well-kwn family, with far Prakash Padukone a star badminton champion, Deepika Padukone had her fair struggle in Bollywood before making it big. Starting with modelling assignments and music videos like Himesh Reshammiya’s Naam Hai Tera, she got her big break with Om Shanti Om. After delivering critically acclaimd performances in films like Piku, Tamasha, Bajirao Mastani, she even starred opposite Vin Diesel in xXx: Return of Xander C.

6. Vidya Balan

t many female names have carried a film ‘on ir shoulders’, but Vidya Balan has been credited with that. Starting off with advertisements and bespectacled character in Hum Paanch, Vidya made an instant  impact with Parineeta. She went on to deliver hits as a solo lead in films like Kahaani, Dirty Picture and more.

7. Ayushmann Khurrana

Ayushmann Khurrana had started his career by participating in reality show, Roadies, where he was winner. actor got a break with Shoojit Sircar’s Vicky Dor and became a household name. Today, he is considered a bankable name with back-to-back hits, that includes critically acclaimed vetures like Andhadhun and commercial hits like Dream Girl.

8 Rajkummar Rao   

Rajkummar Rao made his debut with Dibakar Banerjee’s risque Love Sex Aur Dhokha in 2008. In next few years, he appeared in numerous small roles like Talaash, before his work in films like Shahid, Kai Po Che, Trapped and more earned him intense critical acclaim. He also turned a ‘commerical hero’ of sorts after delivering a 100-crore blockbuster with Stree.

9. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Ar name to make her foray into world of Bollywood after becoming a Miss World is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.  tag ‘most beautiful woman in world’ was associated with her initially, before she showcased that she can act too with films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas and more. Be it Bengali film Chokher Bali or Hollywood ventures like Pink Panr and Mistress of Spice, Aishwarya’s talents were t restricted just to India.

10. Sushant Singh Rajput

Sushant Singh Rajput’s death once again brought spotlight on how so-called ‘outsiders’ are allegedly ‘boycotted.’ However, in his brief career, he showcased that he was one of most successful names without a godfar actor took TV route to venture into films by starring in hit show Pavitra Rishta. He bagged his debut with Kai Po Che and become a popular face immediately. Soon after he featured in hit films like PK, and earned critical acclaim for Detective Byomkesh Bakshy. However, turnin point was with film MS Dhoni: Untold Story, that became his first Rs 100 crore hit. Hit film Kedarnath, a critically acclaimed act in Sonchiriya, and Chhichhore, which turned out to be a blockbuster were some of or highlight of his career. s   

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