Actor Imran Khan recently opened up about nepotism and financial struggles in Bollywood during a candid appearance on the Unfiltered with Samdish podcast. He addressed long-standing misconceptions regarding his family connection to superstar Aamir Khan, clarifying that being related did not guarantee financial security or professional opportunities.
Reflecting on his career, Imran discussed the highs and lows following his breakout role in Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na (2008). While the film brought him instant fame, he explained that consistent work and lucrative offers did not follow as many people assumed.
Imran acknowledged that the “nepokid” label has stuck with him for years, despite his insistence that his career success was independent of family ties. He emphasized, “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 also highlighted the financial realities of working in Bollywood. He noted that his salary increased only marginally after his debut success and that many actors face unpredictable career paths despite early recognition.
He contrasted this with the massive pay packages earned by leading stars such as Ranveer Singh and Ranbir Kapoor, which run into millions, while many other actors struggle to secure reasonably paid work.
The actor addressed the structural pay disparities in the industry, noting that the system heavily favors a small group of top actors, leaving limited opportunities for sustainable careers for others. According to Imran, this imbalance affects performers regardless of their talent or initial success, making Bollywood a challenging environment for many actors.
Through his reflections, Imran Khan aimed to shed light on the realities of the industry, clarifying misconceptions about nepotism while highlighting the financial and professional challenges faced by emerging and mid-level actors.
