'Nepo kids' Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor face more pressure than outsiders, says director Imtiaz Ali

• Imtiaz Ali spoke about the insider-versus-outsider debate.
• He said star kids face added pressure in Bollywood.
• He praised Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s talent.
• He said people from film families must earn success even more.
• Imtiaz has worked with both actors on acclaimed films.

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has shared his views on the ongoing debate about insiders and outsiders in Bollywood. He also spoke about actors Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, who are often labeled as “nepo kids” because they come from film families.

In a conversation with Zoom, Imtiaz defended actors who were born into the film industry. He said that they often face greater pressure than outsiders.

Speaking about the issue, Imtiaz said, "I feel that Alia, Ranbir and many other actors and people of the film industry who have been born in the film industry go through an added toughness because they've got examples of success right around them. They have to compete with their own fathers, uncles and mothers to call themselves, in their own minds, successful. People coming from outside have it easier like me."

The filmmaker explained that people from film families constantly compare themselves with successful relatives. According to him, this creates additional pressure for them as they try to establish their own identity and achievements.

Imtiaz also praised Ranbir Kapoor’s work as an actor. He said that Ranbir’s performances have proven his abilities and removed doubts about his place in the industry.

He said, "Ranbir is an actor today in the film industry; there is no doubt. You can call him a nepo child, but actually, those doubts are dispelled because he’s so fantastic."

He also spoke highly of Alia Bhatt and her achievements. Imtiaz said audiences appreciate her performances because of her talent.

Talking about Alia, he said, "Alia Bhatt is so fantastic that you will not grudge the fact that she got the role; you would want her to get more roles. It’s like that, but one has to earn that. People who are born into the film industry have to earn it even more."

Imtiaz has shared successful collaborations with both actors during his career.

Alia Bhatt worked with him in Highway, a film that became a major turning point in her career and received critical acclaim.

Ranbir Kapoor and Imtiaz Ali worked together on Rockstar and Tamasha. While both films did not achieve major commercial success when they were released, they later developed strong cult followings among audiences.

Meanwhile, Imtiaz is preparing for the release of his upcoming film, Main Vaapas Aaunga. The movie stars Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina, and Sharvari in lead roles. Naseeruddin Shah is also part of the cast. The romantic drama explores themes of love, longing, and belonging against the backdrop of Partition-era migration. The film is scheduled to release in theaters on June 12.

Ranbir Kapoor is awaiting the release of Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. He will play the role of Lord Rama. The film also stars Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. The first part of the two-film project is set for release during Diwali 2026.

Alia Bhatt will next be seen in Alpha. Directed by Shiv Rawail, the film also stars Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor, and Sharvari. It is the seventh installment in the YRF Spy Universe and is scheduled for release on July 3.