Sara Ali Khan admits nepotism gave her an edge, says she had no godfather in Bollywood

Bollywood actor Sara Ali Khan has acknowledged that her film family gave her an advantage in the industry, while arguing that the conversation around nepotism often overshadows the effort she has put into building her career.

In an interview with Filmfare, Sara spoke about the benefits and challenges of being born into a prominent Bollywood family. The actor, whose grandmother is veteran star Sharmila Tagore and whose parents are actors Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, said her background had given her access, recognition and fame even before she began acting. However, she believes that the advantages associated with her family name have also created expectations that she continues to face.

“It's a combination of both. I'm not naive or delusional enough to not accept and be grateful for the fact that it has opened doors. It has given me access; it has given me recognition and fame, maybe even before I became an actor,” Sara said when asked whether her family legacy had helped or weighed her down.

She also objected to the way nepotism is discussed, saying it had become a negative label that could diminish the work actors from film families put into their careers.

“Nepotism has just become a bad word for people. And what I don't appreciate is that it takes away from the effort that one has made,” she said, referring to herself and fellow actors Janhvi Kapoor and Ananya Panday.

“We were just fortunate enough. I don't think it's fair to be hung for what's not our fault. Do I feel we have an edge? Yes, for sure. We were given a debut that people crave for,” she added.

Sara says she handled career challenges without a godfather

Sara said that, despite the opportunities her background provided, she did not believe she should have to keep explaining her privilege eight years into her career. She also said she had not relied on her father to negotiate contracts or secure film roles.

“Eight years into my career, having to still explain that to people… I don't think that that onus should lie on me,” she said.

Sara explained that she lives with her mother, Amrita Singh, and recalled handling difficulties surrounding her debut film, Kedarnath, herself.

“I live with a single mother. I've not had a father going to offices, negotiating my contracts and begging people to take me in their films. When I had a problem with Kedarnath, I was sorting it out myself. There was no one with me. It's a double-edged sword. Because I've not had a godfather in the industry at all,” she said.

Her comments reflect the distinction she draws between having an established family name that can help open doors and having someone personally manage or advance her career.

A film legacy spanning generations

Sara belongs to one of Bollywood's prominent film families. She is the daughter of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, the granddaughter of Sharmila Tagore and former India cricket captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, and the granddaughter of writer and politician Rukhsana Sultana on her mother's side.

Her parents divorced in 2004, after which Sara was raised primarily by her mother.

She made her Bollywood debut in 2018 opposite Sushant Singh Rajput in Kedarnath. She subsequently appeared in films including Simmba, Atrangi Re, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke and Ae Watan Mere Watan.

Sara's family background has frequently placed her within the wider debate about nepotism in the Hindi film industry. In her latest remarks, she accepted that her lineage gave her an advantage while maintaining that her individual work should also be recognised.

Sara Ali Khan's latest release, Udta Teer

Sara is currently seen in Udta Teer, a spy comedy directed by Aakash Kaushik in his directorial debut. The film is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Guneet Monga, Apoorva Mehta and Achin Jain under the banners of Dharma Productions and Sikhya Entertainment.

Ayushmann Khurrana plays the lead role, with Sara among the film's cast. Rahul Bose, Ram Kapoor, Gulshan Grover, Mukul Dev, Suhail Nayyar, Supriya Pilgaonkar, Brijendra Kala and Sandeep Anand also feature in supporting roles.

The film has received a mixed response from audiences and critics.