Imtiaz Ali Defends Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt, Says Outsiders Have It Easier In Bollywood

In Bollywood, the debate around privilege versus struggle never really fades away. Every few months, it resurfaces in a new form, often sparked by comments from industry voices who have worked closely with both established film families and self-made actors. This time, filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has added a fresh perspective.

Speaking during a recent interview with Zoom, Imtiaz offered his take on how actors from film families are often perceived. Without dismissing the criticism, he suggested that the reality behind the screen is more layered than it appears from the outside.

He specifically pointed to actors Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt while discussing the pressure that comes with growing up inside the industry. He 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.”

He further elaborated on how talent eventually changes public perception, regardless of labels. According to him, sustained performance is what ultimately shuts down debates around nepotism.

The filmmaker added, “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. 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 a long creative association with both stars over the years. Alia’s early breakthrough came with his film Highway, which is still considered a turning point in her career. He has also worked with Ranbir on films like Rockstar and Tamasha, both of which later gained strong appreciation over time despite their mixed initial box office response.

On the work front, Imtiaz is gearing up for his next release, Main Vaapas Aaunga, featuring Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina, Sharvari and Naseeruddin Shah. The romantic drama, set against the backdrop of Partition-era migration, explores themes of love, separation and identity, and is slated to release in theatres on June 12.

Meanwhile, Ranbir Kapoor is preparing for his role in Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The film also features Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. The first part of this two-film epic is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release.

Alia Bhatt, on the other hand, will next be seen in Alpha, directed by Shiv Rawail. The project also stars Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor and Sharvari, and marks the seventh instalment in the Yash Raj Films Spy Universe. The film is set for a July 3 release.