Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor recently offered a rare and introspective look into the complexities of growing up in a legendary film dynasty. Speaking at a high-profile industry event, he addressed the perennial debate around nepotism, legacy, and the relentless pressure to prove oneself beyond one's surname.
The Privilege and The Pressure: A Candid Admission
The actor shared his thoughts during a session titled 'Tribute to Legendary Filmmakers Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt' at Celebrate Cinema 2025. The event was hosted at filmmaker Subhash Ghai's Whistling Woods Institute in Mumbai. Kapoor did not shy away from acknowledging his advantageous start in the film industry.
"I'm a product of nepotism and I got it very easy in my life," Kapoor stated frankly. However, he was quick to highlight the flip side of that privilege. "But I always had to work hard because I realised that I come from a family like this and if I don't have an individualistic approach and if I don't make a name for myself, I'll not succeed."
He reflected on his childhood perception, noting, "What do I feel about being born in this family? For me, it was like any other normal family; I didn't know any better." He described a home filled with creative debates rather than typical domestic arguments, where discussions revolved around film scenes or song lyrics.
Learning from Both Success and Failure
Kapoor emphasised that the public narrative often focuses solely on the glories of his family's legacy. He reminded the audience that the journey includes significant setbacks as well. "You guys celebrate a lot of the successes of my family, but there are a lot of failures also, and as much as you learn from the successes, you also learn from the failures," he said.
This acknowledgment points to a more nuanced understanding of legacy—one that is not just a pedestal but also a repository of lessons from past struggles.
The Psychological Balancing Act: Gratitude vs. Self-Identity
This public introspection by a top star brings to the fore a critical psychological question: How can individuals from privileged backgrounds balance gratitude for their advantages with the intense pressure to carve an independent identity?
Neha Parashar, a clinical psychologist at Mindtalk, provided expert insight on this dynamic. "Balancing gratitude with the need to establish one's own identity begins with self-awareness," she explained. "Acknowledging privilege does not diminish personal effort; it actually grounds it. The key is to internalise that gratitude is not guilt; it is recognition."
Parashar suggests that consciously separating inherited advantages from personal achievements allows individuals to pursue goals with authenticity. Practices like journaling or therapy can help maintain this clarity, ensuring success feels both personally meaningful and ethically rooted.
Combating the 'Comparison Trap' and Imposter Syndrome
One of the biggest challenges for those born into successful families is the constant comparison to their family's legacy. Parashar warns that this can lead to "a fragile sense of self, performance anxiety, and even imposter feelings," especially under public scrutiny.
To preserve a strong self-identity, she advises building a personal life narrative centred on individual values and personal definitions of success. Seeking mentorship outside the family circle and setting intrinsic goals—aims that feel personally rewarding rather than just socially validated—are crucial steps to stay emotionally anchored.
Can Privilege Foster True Resilience?
A common question is whether those born with advantages can develop the same resilience as those who start from scratch. Parashar asserts that they can. "Resilience is not exclusive to adversity; it can also grow from responsibility and self-discipline," she states.
For the privileged, resilience is cultivated by deliberately stepping outside comfort zones, embracing discomfort, and facing constructive failure. The motivation may not stem from basic survival but can emerge from a deep-seated purpose—a desire to contribute meaningfully or to redefine what inherited success means. Ultimately, resilience develops when challenges are confronted head-on, regardless of one's starting point in life.
Ranbir Kapoor's candid conversation moves beyond simplistic debates about nepotism. It highlights a universal human struggle: the quest for self-worth and authentic achievement within the context of one's origins, whether privileged or not. His remarks, coupled with expert psychological perspective, offer a roadmap for anyone navigating the weight of expectation while striving to write their own story.
