Priyanka Chopra, known for her candor in cinema and vocal stance on social issues, has captured the hearts of many. Much of her forthrightness can be attributed to her mother, Madhu Chopra. In a recent interview with the YouTube channel Breaking Stereotypes, Madhu addressed the ongoing nepotism debate within the Bollywood fraternity, stating that the term is often misused by frustrated individuals.She emphasized that the industry requires genuine talent, saying, “Nobody will put money on you if you are somebody’s son; you have to have talent.”
Madhu further explained that nepotism has existed in every industry for centuries, and it is up to the new generation of artists to establish their presence through their work. She believes that those lacking skill will eventually be sidelined, as true merit will always shine brighter than mere connections.
Priyanka has also expressed her anxieties regarding the challenges faced by outsiders in Bollywood. She recalled a past interview with Dax Shepard, where she discussed her struggles following a string of flops in 2008. Without the advantages of being a “nepo baby,” the pressure mounted as she approached 30, a milestone not always kind to actors. Her mother, an entrepreneur, encouraged her to explore alternative sources of income. Priyanka pointed out that many actors in the industry are young women, and this conversation motivated her to consider a career in production.
“There were so many times I was thinking, ‘This is it,'” Priyanka reflected. “Six out of eight films failed.” Comparing her journey to those of actors from established families who had a safety net, she acknowledged that her path was far more daunting, intensifying her fears of professional failure.
On the professional front, Priyanka has been busy with several projects. She recently completed shooting for ‘Heads of State‘ and ‘The Bluff’, and is currently working on Citadel Season 2 alongside Richard Madden. Additionally, she is looking forward to ‘Jee Le Zara‘, which will feature Farhan Akhtar, Katrina Kaif, and Alia Bhatt.
Ultimately, both Priyanka and Madhu Chopra hold firm beliefs in the value of talent and hard work in an industry often criticized for nepotism. Their perspectives highlight the complexities of achieving success in Bollywood.
