Sexist nature of the ‘nepo-baby’ conversation

In the showbiz industry, the term “nepo baby” has become synonymous with the offspring and family members of the rich and famous who conveniently slip into the limelight. These progenies, born with silver spoons and gold-lined resumes, often find themselves at the centre of a never-ending debate: Are they truly talented, or merely beneficiaries of their last names?

Inherited stardom

Emma Roberts, a prime example of Hollywood nepotism with Julia Roberts as an aunt, recently told Deadline that men with similar backgrounds have an easier time in the industry. She might be onto something. Take George Clooney, for instance. His aunt, Rosemary Clooney, was a star in the 1940s and 1950s, yet no one seems to discount his achievements. The man can waltz through Hollywood with nary a whisper of nepotism tainting his record. Come to think of it, I can’t recall a single time I’ve heard someone make a big deal about a male nepo baby.

Sadly, female nepo babies aren’t granted the same courtesy. Suhana Khan, daughter of the great Shah Rukh Khan, experienced this firsthand. Her performance in The Archies was mercilessly critiqued, with accusations that she landed the role purely due to her father’s influence. The internet, as always, was swift and unforgiving, showering her with memes and mockery rather than constructive feedback.

And then there’s North West, daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, who recently took the stage as Simba in The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl. The internet erupted in chaos, targeting a ten-year-old for her audacious stage debut. Instead of aiming the criticism at the child, maybe we should question the parents who decided to “nepo-place” her into the spotlight, perhaps predicting (or ignoring) the inevitable backlash. There are even rumours, courtesy of The Sun, that Kim and Kanye made a significant “donation” to secure the role for North, though official confirmation remains. But let’s face it, the “how” is less important than the “why”. North was visibly having the time of her life and if anything about the whole ordeal should be criticised it’s her parents’ decision to thrust her into the spotlight unprepared.

Bollywood: The nepotism capital

Tiger Shroff is one such male nepo baby who keeps on being offered big roles despite his desperate need for acting lessons. The way he managed to ruin a Karan Johar jewel like Student of the Year is beyond me. The bigger question is: why did Karan even cast him? It only proved that Tiger looks better on a sports pitch than the silver screen, and even looks can’t save poor (read: cringe-worthy) acting. His 2014 film Baaghi failed to live up to its potential mainly because of Tiger’s inability to deliver a noteworthy performance - yet Bollywood once again ignored lack of talent and gave him not one - but two sequels after.

The conversation around nepo babies is distinctly gendered. Female actors like Maya Hawke and Margaret Qualley face skepticism about their talents despite proving themselves repeatedly. Maya, daughter of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, dazzled as Robin in Stranger Things Season 3, while Margaret, daughter of Andie MacDowell, delivered a stellar performance in Maid, earning an Emmy nomination. Yet, the shadow of nepotism looms large over their achievements.

The industry and audiences alike seem more willing to accept that men, regardless of their lineage, might have earned their success through sheer talent and hard work. The nepo baby debate is unlikely to die down anytime soon. While familial connections might get these actors through the door, staying in the room requires undeniable talent. One thing remains clear: a last name might get you a role, but it won’t win the audience’s hearts—talent will.