Athiya to Uday: Unpacking quiet, complex journeys of star kids

In the dazzling world of Bollywood, star kids often arrive with big names, blockbuster debuts, and sky-high expectations. With industry backing, red carpet access, and built-in media buzz, the path to fame may seem almost effortless.

But beyond the flashbulbs and fanfare lies a more nuanced reality—one where not every journey leads to superstardom.Some, like Athiya Shetty, Uday Chopra, and Girish Kumar, quietly stepped away from acting after underwhelming debuts—not necessarily in defeat, but in pursuit of purpose, privacy, or reinvention. ETimes unpacks the lesser-known, complex paths of Bollywood star kids who redefined success on their own terms, far from the glare of the spotlight.Bollywood Debuts That Didn’t Go as PlannedHarman Baweja: Touted as the Next Hrithik Roshan

Harman Baweja, son of filmmaker Harry Baweja, made his debut with Love Story 2050 (2008), a sci-fi musical with massive promotions. While comparisons to Hrithik Roshan were rampant, the film flopped. Harman appeared in a few more films like Victory and What's Your Raashee?, but the audience never connected. He eventually shifted focus to running Baweja Studios but continues to make occasional acting appearances.

Mahaakshay (Mimoh) Chakraborty: A Legacy That Didn’t Translate

Mimoh, the son of Mithun Chakraborty, debuted with Jimmy (2008). The film bombed, and despite trying his luck in movies like Haunted 3D, Mimoh couldn’t break through. He has stayed away from mainstream films in recent years.Jackky Bhagnani: From Actor to Successful Producer

Launched by his father Vashu Bhagnani with Kal Kissne Dekha (2009), Jackky struggled as an actor despite multiple releases like Ajab Gazabb Love and Rangrezz. He eventually pivoted to production, backing successful films like Bell Bottom and Mission Raniganj under Pooja Entertainment.Sikandar Kher: Finding a Second Wind in Web SeriesSon of Kirron Kher and stepson of Anupam Kher, Sikandar debuted in Woodstock Villa (2008). Though his early films didn’t perform, he found critical acclaim years later with roles in web series like Aarya and the international Netflix show Sense8.Second Chances: How Some Star Kids Reinvented ThemselvesJackky Bhagnani: Thriving Behind the ScenesAfter facing repeated failures at the box office, Jackky chose to focus on film production. Today, he heads Pooja Entertainment and is behind a string of commercial hits. He also launched the music label Jjust Music, giving space to new talent.Sikandar Kher: From Struggles to Strong Supporting Roles

Sikandar reinvented himself with strong performances in ensemble films and digital shows. His role in Aarya received widespread praise, proving that success can come in unconventional ways.Girish Kumar: Actor Turned Business Tycoon

Son of Tips Industries’ Kumar Taurani, Girish Kumar debuted with Ramaiya Vastavaiya (2013) and later appeared in Loveshhuda. While he stepped away from acting, he now helps run Tips Industries, which dominates the digital music space in India.Uday Chopra: From YRF Actor to Hollywood Producer

Uday Chopra starred in Mohabbatein and the Dhoom series, but failed to impress in solo roles like Neal ‘n’ Nikki. He later moved to the U.S. to focus on YRF Entertainment, producing films like Grace of Monaco. He has been open about stepping away from acting.Athiya Shetty: Stepping Back Post Marriage

Daughter of Suniel Shetty, Athiya made her debut in Hero (2015). Her film career never took off despite appearances in Motichoor Chaknachoor. After marrying cricketer KL Rahul in 2023, Athiya has focused more on endorsements than acting.Why Star Kids Struggle: The Weight of ExpectationsFor star kids, the journey into Bollywood begins under an intense spotlight—one that brings both opportunity and overwhelming pressure. With famous last names come constant comparisons, high expectations, and an unspoken demand to match or surpass the legacy they inherit. Every audition, film, and public appearance is scrutinized, often more harshly than their peers. While their entry into the industry may be smoother, sustaining a career comes with its own set of challenges.

Audiences today are discerning and unpredictable, making it clear that fame can’t be inherited—it has to be earned. In such a high-stakes environment, even a minor setback can feel amplified, and the freedom to experiment or fail is often a luxury they aren’t afforded.The Nepotism Debate: Privilege with a PriceIn recent years, the conversation around nepotism in Bollywood has grown louder, especially with the rise of social media and audience-driven critique.

Star kids often enter the industry with a head start—access to top filmmakers, better opportunities, and media attention from the outset. But this privilege comes with an invisible cost.Many second-generation actors have spoken about the internal pressure of constantly having to prove themselves, not just to the audience, but to themselves. They’re often caught in a lose-lose situation—where success is attributed to their lineage, and failure is amplified as proof of their lack of talent.

The scrutiny can be relentless, turning every career move into a referendum on privilege.Aditya Narayan has often spoken candidly about the double-edged nature of legacy. Being Udit Narayan’s son brought early attention but also a wave of assumptions that he had to constantly push back against. “I wish I wasn’t Udit Narayan’s son, then people would’ve taken me seriously,” he told ETimes. Reflecting on that journey, he now sees it with more clarity: “It was a shadow and a blessing.

Early on, I resented the comparisons, the assumptions.

But over time, I realized that true credibility doesn’t come from your surname — it comes from consistency, heart, and how you treat people. Saansein is me reclaiming my voice — not in opposition to my father’s legacy, but as an evolution of it.”

When Pranutan Bahl entered the film industry, she was fully aware of the legacy she carried — one shaped by her iconic grandmother Nutan and her father, actor Mohnish Bahl.

Yet, for her, the weight of that legacy was never a burden. Instead, she chose to see it as something empowering.“I wouldn’t like to say pressure as I feel it attaches a negative connotation to it,” she told ETimes in her 2020 interview. “I would like to view it as a beautiful responsibility bestowed upon my shoulder. I always tell myself that I am going to work very hard to make myself better in every department that I can regarding my work.

I am going to use it as motivation to be better at what I do because it is a beautiful thing that I belong to such a family of artists.

There is no pressure. In fact, there is a lot of encouragement and motivation from all the members of my family, especially my parents and sister.”

For Pranutan, the process of understanding and carrying forward her family's artistic lineage began early in life. She was raised with values that emphasized humility and respect—qualities she believes are essential for anyone, regardless of background.“As far as handling your legacy comes, it comes from a very young age where you are always told while growing up that you need to conduct yourself with a certain level of respect towards people and humility. I would like to believe that every child should be given that kind of learning and understanding.”Her admiration for her grandmother, legendary actress Nutan, has always been a guiding force. “I always idolized my grandmother.

I love the way she conducted herself not only professionally but also personally. She had a lot of grace and dignity. I adore and admire her for that. I am blessed to be born in this family,” she shared with heartfelt pride.While nepotism can open doors, it doesn’t guarantee longevity. In fact, it can make the journey even more emotionally taxing, especially when personal identity is overshadowed by a famous last name.

For many, the real challenge isn’t getting in—it’s staying in, and being taken seriously on their own merit.Breaking the myth of guaranteed stardom, Mahaakshay Chakraborty opened up about facing one of the most difficult phases in his career—having no work despite being a star kid. Unlike the common perception that industry connections ensure a steady stream of roles, his journey tells a very different story.In his 2023 interview with ETimes, he shared, "See, the thing is, I am the living proof and example that nepotism doesn't exist.

If it worked, I would have been doing every fourth or fifth film out there. But no, that's not the case. I am still struggling like anybody else and I'm very proud to say that."Reflecting on his phase of professional uncertainty, he adds, "When I didn’t get work it was because I didn't get selected in the auditions. There's nothing wrong with that. As an actor, you have to face the fact that you will get rejected and you should not take it personally. You are doing your best, right?"Despite being born into a film family, he insists that his opportunities have come solely through merit.

"I have gone to every audition—whether it is for television, whether it's for films, whether it's for web shows, I have done all of them. But as I said, I got these three projects because of those auditions. I am very proud of the work I have received because of my own merit."Addressing the broader debate around nepotism, he wants young actors to know that a famous last name only opens the door slightly—nothing more. "I think I should tell this to all the actors out there who believe that nepotism exists.

No, the only thing that the family from the film industry can do is that I can only go meet a director if he or she is free. I can only go meet a producer if he or she is free. And that was only once. That's it.

I can just go and introduce myself. That's the only advantage I have. Otherwise, getting work, getting a film—that's completely up to destiny."For him, the hustle continues—with auditions, rejections, and the grind of earning every role.

"I am very proud of all the auditions I have given. And I am still giving auditions because I am an actor. And that's what is required of me."Conclusion: Redefining Stardom on Their Own TermsIn an industry built on visibility, the decision to step away from the spotlight often invites speculation. But for many star kids, choosing a different path isn’t about failure—it’s about self-definition. Whether it's producing films, running successful businesses, or simply opting for a quieter, more private life, their journeys reflect that success in Bollywood isn't one-size-fits-all. Theirs are stories of strategy, reinvention, and autonomy—proof that in the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema, stardom is no longer confined to the silver screen.