Filmmaker Karan Johar has once again come to Alia Bhatt’s defense, insisting that her acting prowess far outweighs the “nepotism” tag often attached to her. In an interview with Galatta Plus, Johar—who launched Bhatt in Student of the Year—didn’t mince words while addressing the backlash she receives.
“Have you seen Highway? Udta Punjab? Raazi? Gangubai?” Johar asked, listing some of Bhatt’s acclaimed performances. “Just watch her films. If you’re still calling her a nepo-kid, then you’re probably the most idiotic person on this planet. And no one can help you.”
Johar also addressed the criticism surrounding his recent production Nadaaniyan, which starred Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor—both children of Bollywood celebrities. The film was widely panned online, with viewers slamming the leads’ performances. However, Johar dismissed the outrage as performative and unfair.
“Cinema intellectuals will praise almost anyone, but when it’s Dharma Productions, they go silent,” he said. “Hating on Nadaaniyan became a trend. The more you bash it, the more videos you post, the more engagement you get. People are obsessed with nepo kid bashing, and I just think—move on.”
Wrapping up, the filmmaker reflected on his status as a lightning rod for online trolling. “I’ve become the face of Bollywood hate,” he said. “I don’t think I deserve that tag, but if I have to carry it, so be it.”
