EXCLUSIVE: Shashank Khaitan Sheds Light On Bollywood Insider-Outsider Debate; Says, “Bichare Sidharth Malhotra Ko Bhi Humne Nepotism Bana Diya Hai”

Filmmaker Shashank Khaitan, known for his successful collaborations with Dharma Productions, recently addressed the long-running insider-outsider debate in the film industry. Speaking honestly about the criticism surrounding Karan Johar launching talent, Shashank offered a balanced perspective.

Shashank Khaitan On Karan Johar Launching Newcomers

Sharing his thoughts about the same, he said to Bollywood Bubble, “I would think it’ll be unfair for me to take that credit away from Karan Johar in the first place. Either it was Student of the Year and launching two star kids along with a Sidharth Malhotra — I think when it comes to Karan, the way his personality and the way he presents people, sometimes outsiders are also put in the bag ki yeh toh nepotism ka hi product hai. Bichare Sidharth Malhotra ko bhi humne nepotism hi bana diya hai. He’s a boy who’s come from Delhi with absolutely no roots and must have had his own journey and fought his way around here.”

Reflecting on the casting of Student of the Year 2, Khaitan added, “Even with the second Student of the Year, there was a Tiger, Ananya, but there was also Tara Sutaria who was cast in it. Me, as a director sitting in this office, having done five films as a director with Dharma Productions, have produced three films in a span of 10 years. I mean, I’m a boy from Nasik. I knew nobody here. It’s all happened because Karan Johar read a script of Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania.”

He further defended Karan Johar’s freedom to choose talent for his films, “It’s well established that he gets a lot of flak for launching people from the industry, but I think he doesn’t get enough credit for that. But having said that, I think it’s his company. It’s his choice to do whatever he feels like. We are not a government company, which has obligations to anybody. It’s his private money. He can choose to spend it the way he feels. Audiences always have a choice whether they want to watch it or not.”

Speaking about his upcoming film Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, Shashank also clarified that casting decisions were entirely his own. He concluded, “When it comes to Sunny, actually, Karan told me nothing about whom to cast or whom not to cast. He’s like, ‘Your film, your choice, please cast whomever you feel.'”

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About Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari

Directed by Shashank Khaitan, the film also stars Rohit Saraf, Sanya Malhotra, and Maniesh Paul, amongst a stellar cast. It is produced by Dharma Productions and Mentor Disciple Entertainment. Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari is all set for a worldwide theatrical release on Dussehra, October 2, 2025.

For more news and updates from the entertainment world, stay tuned to Bollywood Bubble.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Shashank Khaitan REACTS To Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari And Kantara: Chapter 1 Box Office Clash; Says, “My Film Has Limitless Potential…”

Manisha Karki

Manisha has established a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling with over six years of expertise in the industry. With a deep passion for cinema, she brings a unique perspective to her coverage, making it a trusted voice in the entertainment world.