When Kareena Kapoor REACTED to being labelled as the 'ultimate insider' and 'privileged girl' in Bollywood: 'My 21 years of working would not have happened with nepotism'

Kareena Kapoor Khan once spoke about the constant spotlight on her privileged background. The actress acknowledged being tagged as the “ultimate insider” and a “privileged girl.” She offered a candid take on what it really means to grow up in the industry, navigating fame, expectations, and scrutiny that come with the Kapoor legacy.In conversation with with Mojo Story in 2021, Kareena pointed out that people often rush to judge without fully understanding the context, especially when it comes to those from privileged or elite backgrounds. She noted that there's a tendency to view fame, success, and wealth as negative traits, without considering the bigger picture. Kareena emphasized that her two-decade-long career couldn’t have been sustained by nepotism alone—implying that hard work, talent, and perseverance played a significant role in her journey.“A Famous Surname Doesn’t Guarantee Success”The actress highlighted that having a famous surname doesn't automatically ensure success in Bollywood. She pointed out that there are plenty of instances where children of superstars haven’t managed to leave a lasting impact in the industry. Drawing a parallel, she explained that just as doctors might hope their children become doctors, it's natural for those in Bollywood to want their kids to follow a similar path. However, she also acknowledged that celebrities often become soft targets simply because their lives and opinions are constantly in the public eye, making them a source of constant scrutiny and entertainment."Every Story Is Valid — Even If It's Not a Struggle Tale"She also addressed Janhvi Kapoor’s remark about feeling guilty for her privilege. Reflecting on the ongoing debate, Kareena acknowledged that while her journey may not be as dramatic as someone who arrives in the city with nothing but a dream and ₹10 in their pocket, it doesn’t mean her experience is invalid. She emphasized that everyone has a story worth telling, and comparing struggles or deciding which one is more "interesting" is unfair. Kareena also pointed out the irony in the nepotism conversation — that the very audience criticizing star kids is the same one that watches their films and contributes to their success. No one is being forced to support them, she added — it’s the public that ultimately makes or breaks a star.“Outsiders and Insiders — Both Have to Work Hard”Kareena further shared that many of Bollywood’s biggest stars — including Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, and Rajkummar Rao — are outsiders who have earned their place through sheer hard work. At the same time, she pointed out that actors like herself and Alia Bhatt, despite coming from film families, have also put in years of effort to prove themselves. In the end, she stressed, it’s the audience that holds the power — they decide who succeeds and who doesn’t, regardless of background.