Nepotism leading to talent crisis in Bollywood?

Abu Dhabi: Bollywood films, which attract millions across the globe, is awaiting its imminent death, a prominent Indian writer told Gulf News on Saturday.

"Any art which is closed against new comers [new talents] will face its imminent death", said Jerry Pinto, a well-known poet and editor.

The new-found money from overseas releases in the West has prompted actors to groom their children and close the doors of the industry against other new talents, said Pinto.

"Nepotism cannot take their children longer. Legendary actors of Bollywood - Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan - did not have support family support."

At the seminar, Pinto said talk of Bollywood stars reflect lack of self respect. "They often condemn the industry. If you cannot respect your work, you cannot respect yourself".

Another speaker said the Western audience of Bollywood films are not concerned about the quality of the film but the stars.

"Still, they are fed up with the films centred around middle class Punjabi youngsters settled in the West and British Asians, the major audience of Bollywood films abroad, may not accept such stereotypes anymore," said Dr Anil Sinanan, Senior Lecturer in Law/ Solicitor at London Metropolitan University.

Other speakers agreed that Bollywood films are urban centric which do not reflect the rural India unlike they did earlier.

Unlike Bollywood, other Indian regional films like Tamil cinema are set on rural backgrounds, said Prof Rachel Dwyer, Professor of Indian Cultures and Cinema Department of South Asia at University of London.

Dr Kaushik Bhaumik of Osian's-Connoisseurs of Art also echoed similar views.