Kangna Ranaut’s remark on “Nepotism” in Koffee with Karan was “rapid and full of fire.” 1.3 billion people added a new word to their dictionary and raised a serious question, “Is success about who you know?”

Nepotism is something that one doesn’t want to be accused of. But, aren’t we missing something here?

What is Nepotism? It means favouritism shown to a friend, family members or others, especially by giving them jobs.

Now, answer the following questions:

• Have you never asked a friend to help you get a job in his/her organization?
• Have you never bagged an internship because of a professor?
• Access to services which are not in someone else’s reach?
• Opportunities just because you have previously worked with someone?
• Have you never helped out a family member or a friend with a job, internship?

These little ‘favors’ add you to ‘product of Nepotism’ list!

The last time I checked, Nepotism was not industry-specific and you don’t get to choose your parents, so, stop blaming people for being born in rich and famous families.

Alia Bhatt, a product of Nepotism. Privileged? Yes! But can we ignore her talent in the movie, Razi?

The famous, Mr Dhirubhai Ambani, his two sons, Mukesh Ambani, and Anil Ambani, one brother adapted to the changing times and touched skies and other one doomed in debt.

Ivanka Trump, the President’s daughter is also one of his senior adviser, her ideas in G20 summit led to a trending hashtag #unwantedIvanka

Arjun Tendulkar, son of Sachin Tendulkar, made a swift opening in Adelaide in 2017 and was selected in U-19 team in England, based on his performance.

We do live in a world filled with nepotism, but what we cannot ignore is the fact that privileges alone cannot define success. You need to have the talent and the skills to keep up to the noise.

Nepotism is not new, it existed even in the ancient period. Louis XVI, (son of Dauphin Louis) became the heir to the throne in 1765. But, his incapacity to rule had a major impact on France and resulted in the French Revolution.

Nepotism exists everywhere, then why is it highlighted only in Bollywood? Because we treat celebrities like God and follow them blindly. We can ignore Student of the Year (2), but let’s not forget the disaster that followed. Let’s not turn a blind eye, and serve chances on the platter.

What was the need for ‘Jio? Because Mukesh Ambani knew if he wants to rule, he needs to keep his countrymen happy.

Nepotism is problematic, but nepotism doesn’t define success, nepotism drives opportunities.

To succeed you would always need much more than a network!

Think of the brilliant innovators, and ask yourself if their parents or closed ones were exceptional? For example – Albert Einstien or CEO of Google – Sundar Pichai.

And what about, the young ladies, like Prajakta Kohli, Kusha Kapila, a product of pure talent.

Stop wasting your energy on criticizing or envying the well connected, rather figure out your special power. The privileged, have to time and again pull up their socks. Walmart and Ford are an example of this.

To conclude, only talent and hard work drive success. There are no shortcuts to success, everyone has to pay their dues, today or tomorrow.