Netflix India’s new docuseries, The Roshans, has generated significant buzz, offering an intimate look into one of Bollywood’s most influential film families. The series traces the legacy of renowned music director Roshan Lal Nagrath, his son composer and director Rajesh Roshan, and filmmaker Rakesh Roshan. It also shines a spotlight on Rakesh’s son, actor Hrithik Roshan, providing fans with a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of their remarkable journey in the industry.
While it’s not uncommon for Bollywood families to support one another’s careers, the docuseries has reignited discussions on the controversial topic of nepotism in the film industry. Recently, Rakesh Roshan weighed in on the subject, asserting that “nepotism does not exist” in Bollywood. His statement comes after actress Priyanka Chopra’s remarks in the series, where she praised the Roshan family for offering opportunities to individuals from outside the industry.
In a recent interview, Rakesh addressed Chopra’s comments, particularly focusing on Hrithik’s Bollywood debut in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000), which he directed. Rakesh emphasized that his son earned his place in the film through years of hard work and dedication, not favouritism. He explained, “There is nothing like nepotism. We always cast people who are right for the role. I knew Hrithik well and saw how hard he worked. He assisted me for four years, and when he joined the school and showcased his acting, I could see he had everything it took. That’s when I decided to launch him.”
Rakesh further asserted that Hrithik’s debut was solely based on merit, adding, “Had he not had all these things, I would have never launched him. So we launch actors and actresses on their capability.”
In the docuseries, Priyanka Chopra, who worked with the Roshans on Krrish (2006) and Krrish 3 (2013), expressed admiration for the family’s inclusive approach. She praised their ability to “make their table longer” by creating opportunities for outsiders like herself, who didn’t grow up in the industry. However, Priyanka has also previously discussed the challenges of navigating a career in Bollywood as an outsider. On Dax Shepard’s podcast, she opened up about the struggles she faced when her early films didn’t perform well, saying, “I didn’t have that kind of support that exists in a big way in Bollywood movies.”
As the docuseries continues to spark conversation, the debate surrounding nepotism in Bollywood is far from over, with both praise and criticism emerging for the Roshans’ approach to launching talent.