Actor Imran Khan has spoken openly about the long-running debate over nepotism in Bollywood, clarifying misconceptions about his family ties to Aamir Khan and addressing the financial realities of the film industry.
Speaking on the Unfiltered with Samdish podcast, Imran reflected on his journey after the massive success of his debut film Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na in 2008. He said that while the film made him an overnight star, the consistent flow of work and financial security that many people assumed would follow never actually materialized.
Imran acknowledged that he has been labelled a “nepokid” for years because of his relationship with Aamir Khan. However, he firmly rejected the idea that this connection guaranteed him money or career stability.
“My uncle Aamir is a movie star. He’s my mom’s cousin brother, that’s not my money, that’s not coming to me,” Imran said, explaining that family success does not automatically translate into personal financial support.
He revealed that after the success of his debut, his acting fees increased only slightly. Contrary to popular belief, he did not receive endless film offers or long-term security. Instead, he experienced the same uncertainty faced by many actors in the industry.
Imran also spoke about the stark pay gap in Bollywood. He pointed out that a small group of top stars earn extremely high salaries, while many actors struggle to find steady, well-paid work.
Referring to leading actors such as Ranveer Singh and Ranbir Kapoor, Imran said their earnings run into millions, highlighting how unevenly money and opportunities are distributed in the industry.
According to him, Bollywood’s structure heavily favours a few big names, leaving limited space for sustainable careers for others, regardless of talent or early success.
Imran’s candid remarks have sparked fresh discussion online, with many appreciating his honest take on nepotism, financial myths, and the harsh realities behind Bollywood glamour.
