Javed Akhtar addresses nepotism talks on daughter Zoya for 'The Archies' casting

Zoya Akhtar's upcoming film, The Archies, has been making waves ahead of its Netflix release. In a recent discussion during Day 3 of Sahitya Aajtak 2023, Zoya Akhtar, along with her father Javed Akhtar, singer Ankur Tiwari, and Dot, delved into the movie and the ongoing discourse on nepotism in the film industry.

Javed Akhtar, who serves as the writer for The Archies, addressed the casting decisions and defended Zoya's right to involve anyone she wishes in the film. He emphasized that Zoya is taking a personal risk, using her own funds for the project. As the one backing the film, she holds the authority to choose the cast without facing unnecessary scrutiny. Javed Akhtar remarked, “She has all the right to take anybody under the sun; she shouldn’t be questioned. She is taking the risk; it is her project and she is backing it.”

Discussing the broader topic of nepotism in the film industry, Javed Akhtar highlighted that success in the field is akin to an unbiased election. Stars are not forced into stardom; their recognition and success stem from the audience's appreciation. He commented, “Film industry ke baare mein baat hoti rehti hain nepotism ki. Nepotism film industry mein ho hi nahi sakta. Duniya mein har jagah ho jaye, par yaha nahi ho sakta."

Javed Akhtar explained that nepotism is more likely in bureaucratic settings where lower-level individuals have the power to hire. 

For the unversed, directed by Zoya Akhtar, The Archies is co-written by Akhtar, Reema Kagti, and Ayesha Devitre Dhillon. The film, based on the popular American comic book series, boasts a cast including Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Agastya Nanda, Vedang Raina, Mihir Ahuja, Aditi Saigal, and Yuvraj Menda.