Apoorva Mukhija, also known as "The Rebel Kid," has recently voiced her support for Khushi Kapoor amidst ongoing criticism directed towards star kids in Bollywood. Mukhija, who shared screen space with Kapoor in Dharma Productions' "Nadaaniyan," addressed the prevalent issue of nepotism and the often harsh treatment meted out to those perceived as "nepo babies".

In a recent interview with SCREEN, Mukhija spoke about the comparisons between her performance and Khushi Kapoor's in "Nadaaniyan". While acknowledging the compliments she received, Mukhija expressed discomfort with the narrative that pitted her against Kapoor. She stated, "People are really harsh with nepo babies in general. I don't think we need to put down somebody else to make another one feel better. It can be done without comparison. Apoorva did great acting, I appreciate the compliments, but the comments about how I performed better than her… we don't need to do all this".

Mukhija further emphasized Kapoor's strong work ethic and positive attitude, stating that Kapoor's inspiring attitude in the face of criticism is worth praising. She also mentioned that despite the film not performing well, she remains in touch with Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan, her co-stars. "Even if the end product or result might not be what you want, everybody you work with should say that you are a great person. Khushi is amazing, and we are in touch over WhatsApp. Ibrahim and I have met quite a lot, and we chill often," she said.

Mukhija has also previously spoken about the intense scrutiny and criticism that star kids like Kapoor and Khan face, particularly regarding their appearances. She pointed out how trolls often target their physical features, potentially leading to immense pressure and affecting their mental well-being. Mukhija has also stated that Khushi Kapoor got a nose job along with some procedures because the audience is obsessed with them.

Mukhija's defense of Kapoor comes amid a broader discussion about nepotism in the film industry. While acknowledging that star kids may have certain advantages, Mukhija has also highlighted the hard work and dedication that many of them bring to their craft. She has also pointed out that the audience plays a role in perpetuating this culture by giving visibility to "nepo kids".

Mukhija herself has faced her share of online criticism and harassment. She has been vocal about the hate comments, rape threats, and death threats she has received, underscoring the darker side of social media and the challenges faced by women in the public eye. Despite these challenges, Mukhija continues to voice her opinions and stand up for what she believes in, as evidenced by her support for Khushi Kapoor.

Apoorva Mukhija's remarks serve as a reminder to be more considerate and empathetic in our judgments, especially towards young individuals navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry. It remains to be seen if Mukhija will be participating in Bigg Boss 19.