Beyond the Labels: Ahan Shetty on Social Media's Divide, Nepotism, and the Reality of Hard Work

There's a quiet thoughtfulness about Ahan Shetty, even when he's talking about something as contentious as nepotism in Bollywood. He's recently voiced a rather poignant observation, suggesting that social media, for all its supposed connections, has actually driven a deeper wedge, particularly when it comes to the constant chatter around star kids and their journeys into the film industry. It's a sentiment many probably feel but few articulate with such directness.

“You know, I genuinely believe social media has created this huge divide,” Ahan explained, elaborating on how it simplifies complex narratives into black-and-white arguments. He’s not shying away from the fact that, yes, being born into a film family often means a somewhat smoother initial entry. “Of course, we might get that first opportunity a little easier than someone completely from outside,” he conceded, a touch of weary acceptance in his tone. But here's the crucial caveat, the part he feels often gets lost in the online noise: "But after that, it's all on you. You have to prove yourself, work incredibly hard, and honestly, talent speaks loudest in the long run."

This isn't just an abstract idea for Ahan; it's his daily reality and that of his friends. He brought up his good friend, Ahaan Panday, Chunky Panday's nephew, who’s also navigating the tumultuous waters of a potential debut. "My closest friend, Ahaan, he's also going through it," Ahan shared, drawing a parallel between their experiences. They’re both trying to make their mark, both working diligently behind the scenes, yet both are invariably pre-judged by the "nepotism" label before they've even truly begun to show their mettle. It highlights the collective burden, the shared journey of these young individuals striving for authenticity in a world quick to label them.

The constant comparison, the immediate skepticism, it can be draining. Ahan emphasized that while the first film might come with a certain backing, the subsequent ones, the entire career, hinges entirely on public acceptance and performance. "You can't take anything for granted," he asserted, a clear rejection of the idea that success is simply handed to them on a silver platter. His own debut with "Tadap," where he reportedly gave multiple auditions, serves as a testament to this grind.

Perhaps what Ahan is really yearning for is a more balanced perspective. Acknowledgment of the initial leg-up, yes, but also recognition of the genuine effort, the relentless training, the inevitable failures, and the personal growth that goes into building a career, especially under such intense public scrutiny. It’s about seeing them as individuals who love cinema, not just products of their lineage. After all, everyone, regardless of their background, has to earn their place in the hearts of the audience, and that, he knows, is the toughest battle of all. And who knows, maybe we'll see him tackling even bigger challenges soon, with whispers of "Border 2" floating around.