Imran reflects on career highs and struggles after debut success

MUMBAI: Actor Imran Khan has candidly addressed the long-running nepotism debate in Bollywood, pushing back against assumptions surrounding his famous family connections and revealing the financial challenges he faced despite early success in the industry.

Breaking the ‘Nepo Kid’ Narrative

Speaking on the Unfiltered with Samdish podcast, Imran Khan said the perception that his relationship with Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan ensured financial stability and career security was deeply misleading.

“My uncle Aamir is a movie star. He’s my mom’s cousin brother… that’s not my money, that’s not coming to me,” Imran said, firmly rejecting the notion that family ties translated into financial backing.

He added that the “nepo kid” label has followed him throughout his career, often overshadowing the realities he faced behind the scenes.

Life After Breakout Success

Imran reflected on his debut in Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na (2008), which made him an overnight star. However, he said the success did not result in the steady flow of work many people assumed would follow.

Despite the film’s popularity, Imran revealed that his remuneration increased only marginally, and consistent opportunities failed to materialise.

“The idea that success guarantees stability in Bollywood is a myth,” he implied during the discussion.

Financial Realities of Bollywood

The actor also shed light on the stark financial disparities within the industry, noting that while a handful of top stars command massive pay packages, many actors struggle to sustain themselves.

Imran pointed to leading actors such as Ranveer Singh and Ranbir Kapoor, whose earnings run into millions, as examples of how concentrated wealth is within Bollywood.

Addressing the Pay Gap

According to Imran, the industry’s structure disproportionately favours a small elite group, leaving limited space for long-term careers for others regardless of talent or initial success.

He said this imbalance creates an environment where many performers are forced to navigate uncertainty, even after delivering commercially successful films.

A Candid Reflection Imran’s remarks have reignited conversations around nepotism, financial inequality, and sustainability in Bollywood, offering a rare insider perspective on an industry often viewed through glamour rather than ground realities.