Harshvardhan Rane Stirs Up Debate with “Nepotism is Finished” Remark While Promoting His Film and Backing Ayushmann Khurrana’s Release
Actor Harshvardhan Rane, known for his grounded performances in films like Taish and Sanam Teri Kasam, has found himself at the center of a social media storm after his recent comments about nepotism in Bollywood. During a promotional interview for his upcoming film, Rane confidently declared that “nepotism is finished,” sparking a heated debate across the entertainment industry and online platforms.
The actor made the remark while encouraging audiences to support actor Ayushmann Khurrana’s latest release, Thamma, which he described as “a win for genuine talent and hard work.” According to Rane, the growing success of self-made actors like Khurrana, Rajkummar Rao, and Vicky Kaushal proves that the film industry is evolving beyond its reputation for favoring star kids.
“People now want stories that connect, not surnames that impress,” Rane said. “Ayushmann is a perfect example of someone who built his career through sincerity and versatility. The audience today rewards authenticity. Nepotism had its time, but that era is ending.”
The Comment That Divided Bollywood
Rane’s statement immediately went viral, drawing mixed reactions. While many praised him for speaking candidly, others argued that nepotism still plays a significant role in Bollywood, especially when it comes to access, visibility, and opportunities.
Several fans applauded Rane’s optimism, noting that platforms like OTT have indeed created space for outsiders to thrive. “Harshvardhan is right,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). “We’re watching films for performances now, not family legacies.”
However, some industry watchers disagreed. A casting director commented anonymously, “While things are changing, it’s too early to say nepotism is finished. Star kids still get easier access to producers, scripts, and PR machinery. The struggle is very different for newcomers.”
Backing Ayushmann Khurrana
Interestingly, Rane’s praise for Ayushmann Khurrana has been seen as both a show of solidarity and a subtle statement about the kind of cinema he wants to be associated with. Khurrana, who has built his career around offbeat yet socially relevant films, represents a generation of actors redefining mainstream Bollywood.
“Supporting Ayushmann’s film is about celebrating content that matters,” Rane explained. “We need to back people who bring originality to the screen.”
A Larger Conversation About Change
The “nepotism” debate has been one of Bollywood’s most controversial topics since the mid-2010s, reignited repeatedly by viral interviews and insider revelations. Rane’s comment adds a new layer to the ongoing discussion — suggesting that the balance of power may be slowly shifting toward meritocracy.
Whether or not nepotism is truly “finished” remains open to debate, but Harshvardhan Rane’s bold statement has certainly reignited the conversation. As audiences continue to favor authentic storytelling over star lineage, the winds of change in Bollywood might just be gathering momentum.
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