Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan recently admitted that his son, Abhishek Bachchan, has faced unfair criticism and nepotism negativity throughout his career. The discussion began when a video shared by Bollywood Talkies on X (formerly Twitter) stated:
“Abhishek Bachchan unnecessarily became the victim of nepotism negativity, but the amount of good films in his filmography is very high.”
To this, Amitabh Bachchan responded, “I feel the same… and not just because I am his father.”
This rare and heartfelt acknowledgement from the Shahenshah of Bollywood has sparked conversations on social media about Abhishek’s journey, struggles, and achievements in the industry.
I feel the same .. and not just because I am his Father https://t.co/PvJXne1eew
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) March 4, 2025
Abhishek Bachchan: A Career Overshadowed by Comparisons
Since his debut in Refugee (2000), Abhishek Bachchan has often been compared to his legendary father. Despite delivering stellar performances in movies like Yuva (2004), Guru (2007), Bunty Aur Babli (2005), Dasvi (2022), and The Big Bull (2021).
Abhishek has struggled to step out of his father’s towering shadow. While some Bollywood star kids enjoy a smooth entry into the industry, Abhishek’s journey has been marred by constant scrutiny and unfair criticism.
The Nepotism Debate: Why Abhishek Bachchan Became a Target
The nepotism debate in Bollywood has been a hot topic for years, with star kids often facing backlash. However, unlike many others, Abhishek Bachchan did not have a dream launch under a big banner and had to prove his acting mettle through his performances.
Despite his talent, he became an easy target for critics who dismissed his success as a product of privilege while overlooking his genuine contributions to Indian cinema.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Rare Public Support for Abhishek
Amitabh Bachchan, known for keeping family matters private, rarely addresses such topics publicly. His response to the viral video indicates that he recognizes the struggles his son has faced and believes that Abhishek deserves more appreciation for his work.
Big B’s public validation has caused fans to rally in support of Abhishek, with many pointing out that his filmography is filled with strong performances that often go underappreciated.
Abhishek’s Response to Criticism Over the Years
Over the years, Abhishek has taken criticism in stride, often responding with grace and humility. He has previously stated:
“I don’t mind being compared to my father. If people compare me to the best, it means they have expectations from me.”
Despite facing trolling and negativity, Abhishek has continued to experiment with roles and prove his versatility as an actor.
Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Recognize Abhishek’s Talent?
Amitabh Bachchan’s statement has reignited the debate on nepotism and merit in Bollywood. While star kids do get an entry into the industry, staying relevant requires hard work, perseverance, and talent—qualities that Abhishek Bachchan has consistently demonstrated.
The industry and audiences must judge actors based on their work, not just their family background. With Amitabh Bachchan openly supporting his son, will Bollywood and the audience finally give Abhishek the credit he deserves?
