What is Nepotism?
When about sixty-year-old Sunny Deol, the elder son of the late actor Dharmendra, charged a whopping 50 crores as his fee for his role as a Sikh Army officer, I couldn’t imagine such a huge endorsement amount for him. But then I realised that this is prevalent in all professions nowadays.
Yesteryear’s actress Rani Mukherjee appeared on “The Kapil Sharma Show” to promote her upcoming movie Mardaani 3, the third sequel of the Mardaani series. Rani has a rich heritage in the film industry and is married to Aditya Chopra, who represents the esteemed Chopra family.
Although Shah Rukh Khan didn’t have any lineage in the film industry, he is actively promoting his son, Aryan Khan, and his daughter, Suhana Khan.
The great Kapoor clan has already five generations in the film industry.
Down in the south, some families own a maximum chunk in the film industry.
Whether in Bollywood or Hollywood, nepotism and favoritism have existed, and we all know about the preference for nepotistic and privileged individuals over nurturing promising talent from outside these privileged groups.
Not even in the film industry do we witness extreme cases of Cronyism everywhere.
Whatever field we examine, we find shocking examples of nepotism.
Nepotism is a troubling practice that not only squanders valuable talent but also propels the rise of incompetent individuals into positions of power.
This widespread problem stifles meritocracy, hinders the advancement of capable candidates, and fosters an environment where mediocrity prevails.
So, wherever we find that some intensity and brilliance are missing from the output in a profession or industry, it is quite predictable that nepotism won over talent.
Nepotism: Unwavering Support for Mediocrity
When a ration shop owner prefers his offspring over his employee, it makes sense as his lifetime investment is in his shop. Moreover, he is employing just a couple of people to run his shop.
The same applies to all the small shops and medium-sized establishments.
But when a certain professional forces the next generation to choose the same field despite no intense interest, it is a sheer case of nepotism.
How can a gram fit in a pea pod?
Film stars who entered the industry as nobodies and won their audience with their performances, how can their children have the same penchant or the same quality of being a performer as they were?
If the child of a housewife and a bank employee becomes an engineer or a doctor, it makes sense that their next generation may be inspired by their parents and join the same profession, but how is this possible in every case?
Nepotism: Continuing the Family Legacy
It is not necessary that the children of a politician be interested only in politics; they can be good in other fields. It is a different matter that family influence is deep in the political environment, and the same applies to people associated with the film world as well.
We can’t have another Dilip Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, Rajesh Khanna, Irrfan Khan, Mammootty, NTR, Sharmila Tagore, Sunil Dutt, M.G. Ramachandran, Shivaji Ganeshan, Amrish Puri, Amitabh Bachchan, Naseeruddin Shah, in the Indian film industry.
The same is for all the other film industry and performance-oriented fields.
We may have an all-new brand of performer, but the question is,’ Will the children of all great artists become artists of the same caliber as their parents? Is this possible in every case?’
How can we expect quality in such a situation?
Nepotism, Familism, Cronyism, Favoritism
The practice of favoring relatives or close connections over deserving candidates exists across industries, cultures, and centuries.
From film industries and corporate offices to politics, academia, and even small family-run organizations, nepotism quietly shapes who gets opportunities and who does not.
While often justified as “trust,” “legacy,” or “family continuity,” nepotism carries long-term consequences that weaken not just institutions, but entire professional ecosystems.
The Hidden Costs of Favoritism: How It Undermines Genuine Ability
Imagine a gifted artist looking for a debut and not getting a chance to showcase his talent. The more he tries, the more he is rejected, as the place he is vying for is already occupied by the second generation of the existing artists.
Who suffered this loss?
The artist, the art, and the audience, because nothing new or unique emerged; ultimately, art with the same worn-out and outdated perspectives was presented.
- A king can pass on his power to the next generation, but can he ensure the same level of competence from them?
- A player with record performance in the field, will their children be able to perform at the same level? Is it realistically possible? No, right?
- A famous author may not have educated parents, and vice versa.
- The children of an experienced politician may not even understand the basics of politics properly.
- How can we expect the same level of excellence from the children of a famous doctor?
- How can we expect the same efficiency from the family members of a renowned engineer?
- A dancer’s children may or may not have the same talent.
I agree that heredity plays an important role, but how can one person pass on all his excellent genes to all his family members, isn’t that impossible?
Just because one of your family members has carved a niche in a certain field doesn’t mean you’re equally capable. Naturally, someone can carry on a family legacy, but their intelligence and efficiency may differ significantly.
A dancer’s children may or may not have the same talent.
This is true everywhere, so why is nepotism so prevalent? It’s so complicated and confusing, blocking the path of new talents, making everything hard for people who have the power to change the world, but they lack this privilege, called Nepotism.
Nepotism is Universal
Nepotism is a widespread practice that refers to favoritism toward family members and friends in a variety of contexts, often seen in recruitment processes, promotions, and preferential treatment within organizations and government institutions.
This phenomenon can be observed globally, affecting both small businesses and large corporations, as well as public sectors in numerous countries.
“Nepotism may benefit a few individuals, but it costs society its confidence in fairness.”
Nepotism stifles talent, and we have to compromise on quality.
Nepotism stifles genuine talent, creating an environment where merit is overlooked, and we are compelled to settle for subpar quality.
Meritocracy is the belief that talent, skill, and effort should determine success. Nepotism directly contradicts this principle by rewarding lineage rather than ability.
When deserving candidates are overlooked because they lack the right surname or network, motivation collapses. Over time, competence becomes secondary, and mediocrity finds a protected space to survive.
Nepotism Blocks Fresh Talent and Innovation.
Every profession thrives on new perspectives. Outsiders bring fresh ideas, challenge outdated practices, and push industries forward.
Sometimes, new talents with their unique abilities and strong desire to make a mark come up with amazingly brilliant ideas. They exhibit a bright potential, which is ultimately lacking in those affected by nepotism.
Sometimes, driven by their unique abilities and a strong desire to make their mark, new talents come up with surprisingly brilliant ideas with deep and diverse perspectives.
Nepotism narrows this diversity. When opportunities circulate within closed circles, innovation stagnates. The result is repetitive thinking, recycled talent, and declining relevance—something visible in cinema, corporate leadership, and even public administration.
Nepotism Creates an Unequal Playing Field.
Fair competition requires equal access to auditions, interviews, mentorships, and platforms. Nepotism distorts this balance.
Those with connections receive early exposure, financial backing, safety nets, and second chances—luxuries unavailable to equally capable outsiders. Over time, inequality becomes normalized and institutionalized.
It Erodes Trust and Morale.
The entry of unqualified individuals through unofficial channels undermines the system and causes significant harm.
Nothing damages workplace morale faster than perceived favoritism. When employees believe promotions or opportunities are pre-decided, trust in leadership erodes.
Disillusionment leads to disengagement, high attrition, and a culture where people stop striving—not because they lack ability, but because they lack hope.
Nepotism Weakens Accountability
Professionals who rise through merit are accountable for their performance. Those protected by connections often face fewer consequences for failure.
This imbalance lowers standards. Poor decisions go unchecked, incompetence is excused, and excellence loses its value.
. Long-Term Damage to Institutions
Institutions that rely heavily on nepotism may survive in the short term, but they decay internally. Over time, credibility diminishes, audiences disengage, employees leave, and public trust collapses.
History shows that systems built on favoritism rarely age well.
Is Nepotism Ever Justifiable?
Supporters argue that family members grow up immersed in the profession, gaining early exposure and understanding. While this may be true, exposure is not expertise.
Opportunity should open doors—but performance must decide who stays. Without transparent evaluation, nepotism turns from privilege into injustice.
“Talent ignored today becomes resistance tomorrow.”
Those in powerful positions are more likely than others to resort to nepotism. This raises questions about their credibility and their respect for the oath they took upon assuming office.
Conclusion
| Clear & Honest Verdict on Nepotism | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Profession | Nepotism Level | Public Impact |
| 1 | Politics | Extreme | Very High |
| 2 | Films & Entertainment | High | High |
| 3 | Family Businesses | High | Medium |
| 4 | Judiciary & Law | Medium-high | High |
| 5 | academia | Medium | Long-term |
| 6 | Sports Administration | Medium | Medium |
A Bitter Truth
Nepotism is loudest in films, deepest in politics, and most dangerous where power meets policy.
Nepotism undermines merit, innovation, and fair opportunity in every profession.
What is Nepotism?
Nepotism—the practice of favoring relatives or close connections over deserving candidates—exists across industries, cultures, and centuries. From film industries and corporate offices to politics, academia, and even small family-run organizations, nepotism quietly shapes who gets opportunities and who does not.
While often justified as “trust,” “legacy,” or “family continuity,” nepotism carries long-term consequences that weaken not just institutions, but entire professional ecosystems.
1.Nepotism: Unwavering Support for Mediocrity
Meritocracy is the belief that talent, skill, and effort should determine success. Nepotism directly contradicts this principle by rewarding lineage rather than ability.
When deserving candidates are overlooked because they lack the right surname or network, motivation collapses. Over time, competence becomes secondary, and mediocrity finds a protected space to survive.
2.Nepotism: Continuing the Family Legacy
3.Nepotism, Familism, Cronyism, Favoritism
Every profession thrives on new perspectives. Outsiders bring fresh ideas, challenge outdated practices, and push industries forward.
Nepotism narrows this diversity. When opportunities circulate within closed circles, innovation stagnates. The result is repetitive thinking, recycled talent, and declining relevance—something visible in cinema, corporate leadership, and even public administration.
4.Nepotism is Universal.
Nepotism is a widespread practice that refers to favoritism toward family members and friends in a variety of contexts, often seen in recruitment processes, promotions, and preferential treatment within organizations and government institutions.
5.Nepotism stifles talent, and we have to compromise on quality.
Meritocracy is the belief that talent, skill, and effort should determine success. Nepotism directly contradicts this principle by rewarding lineage rather than ability.
6.Nepotism Blocks Fresh Talent and Innovation.
Sometimes, new talents with their unique abilities and strong desire to make a mark come up with amazingly brilliant ideas. They exhibit a bright potential, which is ultimately lacking in those affected by nepotism.
7.Nepotism Creates an Unequal Playing Field.
Fair competition requires equal access to auditions, interviews, mentorships, and platforms. Nepotism distorts this balance.
Those with connections receive early exposure, financial backing, safety nets, and second chances—luxuries unavailable to equally capable outsiders. Over time, inequality becomes normalized and institutionalized.
8. It Erodes Trust and Morale
Nothing damages workplace morale faster than perceived favoritism. When employees believe promotions or opportunities are pre-decided, trust in leadership erodes.
Disillusionment leads to disengagement, high attrition, and a culture where people stop striving—not because they lack ability, but because they lack hope.
9. Nepotism Weakens Accountability
Professionals who rise through merit are accountable for their performance. Those protected by connections often face fewer consequences for failure.
This imbalance lowers standards. Poor decisions go unchecked, incompetence is excused, and excellence loses its value.
10. Long-Term Damage to Institutions
Institutions that rely heavily on nepotism may survive in the short term, but they decay internally. Over time, credibility diminishes, audiences disengage, employees leave, and public trust collapses.
History shows that systems built on favoritism rarely age well.
Is Nepotism Ever Justifiable?
Supporters argue that family members grow up immersed in the profession, gaining early exposure and understanding. While this may be true, exposure is not expertise.
Opportunity should open doors—but performance must decide who stays. Without transparent evaluation, nepotism turns from privilege into injustice.
Conclusion: Choosing Fairness Over Familiarity
Nepotism is not just a personal advantage—it is a systemic flaw. It weakens merit, silences talent, and damages trust across professions.
A fair professional arena does not reject legacy,-but it refuses to worship it. Progress lies in choosing competence over convenience, and fairness over familiarity.
Because when merit loses value, every profession loses its soul.
[es_note title=”Editor’s Note”]
Nepotism exists globally, but its impact is amplified in industries with limited access and high visibility.
[/es_note]
[es_jump]
<a href="#nepotism-impact">Hidden Costs</a>
<a href="#who-benefits">Who Benefits</a>
<a href="#conclusion">Final Thoughts</a>
[/es_jump]
Wherever we look, we see examples of nepotism that lead to the premature loss of talent and the rise of incompetent individuals. Contrary to the notion of ‘Nepotism,’ the entrance of capable individuals through the proper channels strengthens our system, fostering growth and excellence for everyone involved.
