The Dharma Productions, the so-called launchpad of Bollywood’s star kids, are now gearing up to launch two complete outsiders to the big screen. The two newcomers, a boy and a girl, were allegedly selected after an extensive talent search that consisted of more than 500 auditions, one of the most democratic casting decisions in the history of Dharma.
Dharma Production’s Launches
Dharma Production has been repeatedly accused of being a nest of nepo kids due to its reputation of creating some of the biggest names in modern Hindi cinema. From Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan in Student of the Year (2012) to Janhvi Kapoor in Dhadak (2018), and more recently Shanaya Kapoor in her upcoming debut Bedhadak, the banner’s track record often fuels the industry’s nepotism debate.
However, this new project may become a game-changer. People close to the production revealed that both newcomers have no connection to the industry and that both were chosen based on their screen presence and acting skill only. Dharma Production is trying to fill the gap between the insiders and the outsiders in the industry.
Industry watchers believe the decision could be part of a strategic image shift. Dharma realizes the nepotism label has been around long enough. Developing raw talent is also a smart way of gaining credibility and revitalizing its brand, according to a trade analyst.
The production house has not yet announced the name of the movie or the debutants involved in it, but the hype is it is a youth-driven drama, and it has a big director behind it, a member of the Dharma camp. Meanwhile, social media is already flooding with responses, some celebrating Karan Johar finally providing newcomers with a decent opportunity, others accusing it of a damage control.
Also Read | Pratibha Ranta Joins Kartik Aaryan in ‘Naagzilla’: A Fresh On-Screen Pairing to Watch Out For!
