Bollywood actress Kajol has spoken candidly about the immense pressure faced by star kids today, calling their situation “do-or-die” amid rising trolling, harsh judgments, and expectations from the public. Her remarks came during a recent media interaction when asked about Ibrahim Ali Khan’s upcoming debut and the negativity that often surrounds young actors from film families.
Kajol’s strong defence of star kids
Kajol, known for her forthright views, shared that while nepotism is frequently debated in Bollywood, the ground reality is far more complex for those born into film families.
“They are being judged for something that is out of their control. It’s a do-or-die situation for them because if they don’t succeed, they are brutally trolled, and if they do, then people say it was handed to them,” Kajol said.
She emphasised that public scrutiny has multiplied over the years with social media, making it extremely hard for newcomers to maintain confidence and mental health.
Ibrahim Ali Khan’s debut under the spotlight
Ibrahim, son of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, is gearing up for his first film with Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. He has reportedly completed shooting for ‘Sarzameen’, where he plays a young army officer. The film is directed by Boman Irani’s son Kayoze Irani and also stars Kajol in a pivotal role.
Industry circles suggest that the film’s narrative is powerful, and Karan Johar is planning a strong launch strategy for Ibrahim, similar to his approach with Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, and Janhvi Kapoor.
Star kids and social media trolling: The growing trend
| Star kid | Debut film | Public reaction pre-release | Post-release response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibrahim Ali Khan | Sarzameen (TBA) | Mixed; trolled for nepotism | Awaited |
| Shanaya Kapoor | Vrushabha (upcoming) | Criticised for privileged entry | Awaited |
| Khushi Kapoor | The Archies (2023) | Mixed, accused of riding family name | Praised for screen presence |
| Suhana Khan | The Archies (2023) | Heavy trolling, also major fan support | Divided reviews |
Kajol pointed out that this negativity stems from a sense of unfairness perceived by outsiders but said it fails to account for the reality that “nobody will risk crores on a person without talent.”
Kajol on dealing with trolls
The ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ star added that social media toxicity is not restricted to star kids alone. Even established actors are subjected to body shaming, ageism, and personal attacks.
“You have to have a really thick skin to survive here today. Earlier, we were judged on Friday box office. Today, it’s every day, every minute, with Instagram and Twitter feeding opinions 24×7,” Kajol explained.
She also stated that while it is important for actors to accept constructive criticism, trolling based on personal looks, family background, or unverified narratives reflects a declining digital civility.
Mental health and Bollywood
Industry psychologists note a spike in therapy consultations among young actors due to online negativity. Performance anxiety, fear of rejection, and social media criticism often compound, leading to depression or withdrawal.
| Key mental health challenges for newcomers | Impact |
|---|---|
| Comparison with established actors or star parents | Low self-worth, anxiety |
| Trolling and hateful comments | Depression, social withdrawal |
| Pressure to succeed quickly | Panic disorders, burnout |
| Unpredictable work schedules | Sleep disorders, fatigue |
Kajol urged fans to remember that while actors live privileged lives, they are human beings who also need empathy and space to grow in their careers.
Kajol’s upcoming projects
Apart from ‘Sarzameen’, Kajol is working on:
- Do Patti (Netflix thriller with Kriti Sanon)
- A Disney+ Hotstar courtroom drama series
- Rumours suggest an upcoming collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan under Rajkumar Hirani’s production for 2026.
Industry reaction to Kajol’s comments
Many industry insiders applauded Kajol’s bold statements. Actor Anil Kapoor said in a recent interview:
“She is right. Even with star kids, the real test is on screen. The audience decides.”
Karan Johar, often at the centre of nepotism debates, has also maintained that while he can introduce someone, only audience love ensures longevity.
Star kids vs outsiders: The ongoing debate
Critics argue that opportunities come easily to film families, while others note that only a handful survive beyond their first few films. A senior casting director said:
“Look at the list of star kids who never made it big despite debuting with top banners. Ultimately, talent and audience connect decide careers.”
Some prominent examples include Jackky Bhagnani, Harman Baweja, and Uday Chopra, all of whom debuted with major banners but could not sustain.
Bollywood’s evolving landscape
With OTT platforms offering diverse roles to newcomers and audiences demanding strong scripts, the ecosystem is changing rapidly. Star kids today are trained rigorously before their debut in acting, diction, and public presentation, unlike in earlier decades.
The bottom line
Kajol’s candid take on the struggles of star kids like Ibrahim Ali Khan reflects a balanced view of privilege and pressure in Bollywood. While debates on nepotism continue, the actress urges the public to “give them a fair chance to prove themselves before passing harsh judgments.”
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only. Opinions expressed by celebrities are their own. Readers are advised to verify facts independently before forming conclusions or initiating social media discourse.
