Veer Pahariya, Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor: Love them or meme them but you can't ignore them

Scroll through Instagram, and you’re bound to come across Veer Pahariya, Junaid Khan, or Khushi Kapoor. Whether it’s memes, reels, or jokes about their PR strategies, these Bollywood newcomers have found themselves at the center of social media discussions. From viral dance clips to relentless trolling, their presence on our feeds has been impossible to ignore—especially towards the end of January. But what exactly made them go viral, and will their performances be enough to silence the chatter?

The Viral Storm: How It All Started

Veer Pahariya’s Bollywood debut in Sky Force opposite Akshay Kumar had already made some noise, but what truly took over the internet was his supposed PR blitz. From visiting theatres mid-show to dancing with random audience members to the song Rang, Veer’s marketing tactics raised eyebrows. Instagram creators quickly caught on, with many joking that despite the excessive promotions, nobody recognized him. A particularly viral reel featured a user lamenting that every fourth post on his feed was about Veer. Even Veer himself joined in on the joke, dropping a laughing emoji in the comments.

Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor weren’t spared either. A clip of them promoting their upcoming film Loveyapa where they danced to its title track with lackluster expressions spread like wildfire. The awkwardness of their performance made them easy targets, with countless content creators mimicking their moves and adding their own humorous takes. One creator even replaced the background music of Veer’s Rang dance with Lakdi Ki Kathi, turning it into a full-blown internet joke.

The Nepo Baby Tags & The Relentless Scrutiny

As soon as these videos went viral, the internet was quick to label them as ‘nepo babies’ who didn’t deserve the limelight. While nepotism in Bollywood has been an ongoing debate, the digital age has intensified the scrutiny. Star kids aren’t just expected to act well; they’re constantly judged for their every move, every expression, and even their PR strategies. Unlike outsiders who are given room to improve, industry kids have no margin for error. They’re put on a pedestal, not for their talent but for their lineage, making it harder for them to prove their worth.

Can Their Performances Overshadow the Noise?

Despite all the trolling, the numbers tell a different story. Sky Force has crossed the 100-crore mark at the box office, and Veer Pahariya’s performance has received positive reviews. Junaid Khan, despite being roasted online, has been praised for his role in Maharaj, where he held his own alongside Jaideep Ahlawat and Sharvari Wagh. As for Khushi Kapoor, her debut film The Archies had mixed reactions, leaving her with the challenge of proving herself in upcoming projects like Loveyapa and Naadaniya.

The reality is that good performances can turn the tide. Alia Bhatt, once mocked for her general knowledge, is now one of Bollywood’s finest actors. Ranbir Kapoor, initially written off as a privileged star kid, is now respected for his craft. The same fate could await Veer, Junaid, and Khushi provided they let their talent do the talking.

The Hard Road Ahead: Can They Break the Cycle?

It’s clear that social media has changed how we perceive newcomers. Earlier, actors had time to grow, improve, and establish themselves. Today, one viral clip can make or break a career. For Veer, Junaid, and Khushi, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. If they deliver standout performances, they might just earn their place. If not, they risk becoming meme material for good.

As audiences, we also need to ask ourselves: Are we too harsh on star kids? Shouldn’t everyone, regardless of background, be judged based on their work? While nepotism remains a reality, it’s ultimately performances that determine longevity in Bollywood.

With Loveyapa and Naadaniya on the horizon, Khushi Kapoor has her chance to redeem herself. Junaid Khan’s next projects will reveal whether his debut was a one-time wonder or a glimpse of true talent. Veer Pahariya, despite all the trolling, has proven he can make a mark at the box office.