Karan Johar has recently voiced his strong disapproval of those who label Alia Bhatt a product of nepotism, asserting that such claims are utterly baseless. The renowned filmmaker didn't hold back, stating that anyone who continues to call Bhatt a "nepo kid" is simply ignorant of her hard work and talent.

Johar's strong reaction comes amidst ongoing debates about nepotism in Bollywood, where he has often been at the center of discussions. He has been accused of prioritizing star kids and offering them an easy entry into the industry, a claim he has repeatedly addressed. In this instance, Johar staunchly defended Bhatt, emphasizing her exceptional skills and dedication.

"If you call Alia Bhatt a nepo kid, you are the most idiotic person on the planet," Johar stated emphatically. He further challenged critics to watch her films like "Highway", "Udta Punjab", "Raazi", and "Gangubai Kathiawadi" to witness her acting prowess.

The debate around nepotism in Bollywood gained momentum in 2017 when Kangana Ranaut labeled Johar the "flag-bearer of nepotism" on his own talk show. The controversy further intensified after Sushant Singh Rajput's death in 2020, with many attributing it to nepotism and groupism within the industry. This has led to social media campaigns like #BoycottBollywood.

However, supporters of Johar argue that he recognizes and promotes talent, regardless of their background. They point to the success of actors like Alia Bhatt as proof of meritocracy, highlighting their hard work and commitment to their craft. Johar himself has often spoken about the "easy access" that star kids might have, but emphasizes that ultimately, it is talent and consistency that determine their success.

In fact, Johar has previously pointed out that his production house, Dharma Productions, has launched numerous debut directors, a significant portion of whom have no connections to the film industry. He has also challenged the media's role in amplifying the narrative around "nepo babies", suggesting that if they don't want them to become stars, they shouldn't cover them so extensively.

The discussion surrounding Alia Bhatt's casting in the film "Jigra" last year also reignited the nepotism debate. Director Vasan Bala revealed that Johar had immediately offered the role to Bhatt after receiving a rough draft of the script, leading to accusations of unfair preferential treatment. Johar responded to the backlash by clarifying that Bala's words had been misconstrued and that he fully supported Bala's vision for the film.

Despite the ongoing criticism, Johar seems to have adopted a more assertive stance on the issue. He has even been seen sporting a "Nepo Baby" sweatshirt, seemingly embracing the label while subtly challenging its negative connotations.

Ultimately, Karan Johar's recent statement underscores his belief that Alia Bhatt's success is a result of her talent and hard work, not merely her family connections. He hopes to shift the conversation from simply labeling individuals as "nepo kids" to recognizing the complexities of the industry and the importance of merit.