‘Who Are You To Tell Me What To….’: Zoya Akhtar Defends ‘The Archies’ Against Nepotism Debate

Zoya Akhtar, a famous movie director with successful films like “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” and “Gully Boy,” just released her new film, “The Archies,” on Netflix. The movie features the debut of several celebrity kids, including Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter Suhana Khan, Janhvi Kapoor’s sister Khushi Kapoor, and Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda. Even before it came out, “The Archies” caused a lot of talk because it raised questions about nepotism in the film industry. Now, Zoya Akhtar has defended her decision to cast these star kids.

Also ReaD: 5 Things People Hated About ‘The Archies’ That Make It Zoya’s Weakest Movie So Far

Speaking with the Juggernaut, Zoya Akhtar explained, “I think it (the debate) is about privilege, access, and social capital. I completely understand having anger or frustration at the fact that you do not have the access some people get so easily. That is a conversation to be had. Everyone needs to have the same kind of education, job opportunities, et al. But when you turn around and say Suhana Khan shouldn’t be in my film, it’s banal because it’s not going to change your life whether she’s in my film or not. You have to talk about what is going to change your life.”

She went on to add, “My dad came from nowhere and made a life for himself. I was born and bred in the industry, and I have every right to follow whatever I want to do. As part of his network and what he made, I know those people. What am I going to do, disown my dad because I want to be a filmmaker? Are you saying I can’t choose my profession? It makes no sense. The actual problem is something else, and this is just like beating a dead horse… it’s not going to do anything. If every kid born into the film industry never worked in cinema, it’s still not going to change your life.”

Zoya Akhtar also laid down her definition of nepotism, “Nepotism is when I take public money or someone else’s money and favour my friends and family. Nepotism cannot be when I take my own money! Who are you to tell me what to do with my money? It’s my money! If tomorrow I want to spend my money on my niece, it’s my problem. At the end of the day, if a director or an actor gets another job, it is solely on the audiences. Viewers decide if they want to see them or not,” the film-maker stated.

Speaking about the film, Zoya told PTI, “Fans want nostalgia, a walk down memory lane and familiarity, but the generation today, who have not read the comics, they need something that holds them to the story. We had to take themes that matter to Gen Z and mix it with nostalgia to cook the film together.”

Zoya Akhtar’s “The Archies,” which premiered on Netflix on December 7th! This Indian take on the classic American comic book series brings the beloved characters of Archie, Veronica, Betty, Reggie, Dilton, Jughead, and Big Ethel to life in a vibrant 1960s setting. So, grab your milkshake and prepare to be swept away by the fun and nostalgia!