Shreya Mukherjee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 7, 2020)

It’s undeniable that favouritism exists in the film industry, says Annu Kapoor, reacting to Vidyut Jammwal’s tweet where he expressed displeasure when an OTT platform didn’t invite him for the announcement their new lineup of films including Jammwal’s Khuda Haafiz. Kapoor, who also stars in the film, rues that not everything is fair in this world.

“Hypocrisy, favouritism, corruption are integral parts of Indian society. The film industry is the by-product of this society, so it exists there as well. Expecting fair play would be like living in a fool’s paradise,” he says.

After actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, many actors shared their experiences of facing favouritism in the industry. And Kapoor, 64, feels these discussions would bring about the “inevitable change”.

Weighing in on the nepotism debate, Kapoor considers the term “purely as a patronage bestowed upon in politics or business”. He adds, “Son of a doctor can become a doctor, but if a film star launches his child in the industry, then why cry nepotism? If nepotism worked then (filmmakers) Vashu Bhagnani’s son and Harry Baweja’s son, or even (actor) Amitabh Bachchan’s son would have been like (actor) Tom Cruise... It’s the prerogative of producers to select or reject any one.”