Salman Khan’s humorous take on the nepotism debate: "Kangana ki beti aayengi, toh film karegi ya politics…?"

Salman Khan is one of the biggest stars in Bollywood and has entertained audiences for years with his roles in films like 'Hum Aapke Hain Kaun,' 'Judwaa,' 'Sultan,' 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan,' 'Dabangg,' and 'Partner.' Apart from his on-screen presence, fans admire him for his outspoken nature and fearless swag and attitude. Recently, during a media event for his upcoming film 'Sikandar,' Bollywood’s Bhaijaan shared his thoughts on the ongoing nepotism debate in Bollywood in a humorous way.

Salman’s response to the nepotism debate
On 26 March 2025, during a press conference, Salman was asked about the issue of nepotism in the film industry. He responded, "Nobody in this world is self-made. I don't believe in that. It's all teamwork. Had my father not come to Mumbai from Indore, I would have been farming there. It was his decision that paved the way for me."
He explained that his father, Salim Khan, came to Mumbai to work in films, giving Salman the choice to stay in the city or return to Indore. He chose to follow in his father’s footsteps. Adding a humorous twist, Salman joked about how the word "nepotism" is often used these days. When journalists mentioned Raveena Tandon’s daughter, Rasha, as an example of a new star kid, Salman misheard and responded, "Kangana ki beti aa rahi hain. Ab Kangana ki beti aayengi, toh films karegi, ya politics join karegi, to unko bhi. (Nepotism). Yeah, she or he will have to do something else."

Bollywood’s struggles and actor insecurities
Salman also spoke about the current struggles in Bollywood, pointing out that the industry’s dependence on big-budget films and misplaced priorities has affected its success. He addressed the issue of insecurity among today’s actors, saying, "The actors have become insecure. Do you see any of the younger generation doing two heroes? I offered a film to the actors, but they did not want to do it. The fact is they don't want to work with each other. With our thing, I have worked with Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir, Sunny, Sanju, Jackie, Rahul Roy, and Anil Kapoor multiple times. With our fans and their fans coming together, it gives you that much of a box office collection."
'Sikandar'—Salman’s upcoming film
'Sikandar' is one of the most awaited films of 2025. Directed by A.R. Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, it stars Salman Khan in a dual role as Sanjay Rajkot and Sikandar. The cast includes Rashmika Mandanna as Saisri, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj as Minister Pradhan, Sharman Joshi as Amar, and Prateik Babbar. The film tells a story filled with action and emotions, focusing on a husband-wife relationship. The film will be released worldwide on 30 March 2025, coinciding with Eid.