'Nepotism just tip of the iceberg', says Abhay Deol; actor suggests cultural overhaul

Abhay Deol feels happy about ' watershed moment' that India has been witnessing ever since debate on nepotism has grabbed spotlight in wake of actor Sushant Singh Rajput's tragic death. Through a lengthy te on Instagram, Dev D actor has expressed happiness over 'active debate' about nepotism and has also attempted to make his fans aware that 'nepotism has taken on ar dimension here in India'. He has claimed that re needs to be an upheaval in our culture itself where discrimination and classification on basis of profession begins with 'caste' or 'jati'.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara actor pointed out how his uncle, veteran actor Dharmendra, was an outsider in film industry and has inspired him to find his path in film industry. With his picture alongside Dharmendra, he wrote, "My uncle, whom I affectionately call d, was an outsider who me it big in film industry. I’m gl re is an active debate on practices behind scenes. Nepotism is just tip of iceberg. I’ve only ever me one film with my family, my 1st, and I’m grateful to be blessed and have that privileged. I’ve gone that extra mile in my career to make my own path, something that d always encourd. For me he was inspiration". Abhay Deol me his Bollywood debut under Dharmendra’s Vijayta Films in 2005 Imtiaz Ali film Socha Na Tha.

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He went onto d, "Nepotism is prevalent everywhere in our culture, be it in politics, business, or film. I was well aware of it and it pushed me to take chances with new directors and producers throughout my career. That is how I was able to make movies that were considered “out of box." I’m gl some of those artists and films went on to have tremendous success.". actor is kwn for his art-house style cinema choices. 

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Furr, Abhay emphasised that root of nepotism in a country like India is caste system which has been embedded in our culture. He ded that blaming only film industry for ir unfair practices could possibly be 'counterproductive' as it is our cultural influences that we, as a group, must focus on. He continued, "While it plays a part in every country, nepotism has taken on ar dimension here in India. I suspect caste plays a major role in it being more prounced here than in or parts of world. After all, it is “jati” that dictates that a son carry on work of his far, while daughter is expected to marry and be a housewife. If we are serious about making changes for better, n focusing on only one aspect, one industry, while igring many ors, will be incomplete and possibly counterproductive. We need a cultural evolution. After all, where do our filmmakers, politicians and businessmen come from? y are people just like everyone. y grow up within same system as everybody else. y are a reflection of ir culture." 

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He concluded te by suggesting that dialogue for equal opportunity should take place in order for change to take place. He wrote, "Talent everywhere deserves a chance to shine in his or her medium. As we have learnt over past few weeks, re are several ways in which an artist is eir uplifted to success or beaten down to failure. I’m gl more actors are coming out today and speaking of ir experiences. I’ve been vocal about mine for years w, but as a lone voice, I could only do so much. It’s easy to smear one artist for speaking out, and I have been at receiving end from time to time. But as a group, a collective, that becomes difficult. Maybe w is our watershed moment."

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