Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Dutt: Why actors are unhappy about their kids joining films

While on the one hand Bollywood is known to be the land of glitz and glamour, where all ambitions can find wings, the other side of the industry sees a lot of careers fizzle out, without as much as a whimper. And that is probably what seems to have scared Saif Ali Khan. 

The actor, like any parent, is apprehensive about his daughter Sara Ali Khan’s future prospects. In an interview to a publication, the actor expressed his dismay at her wanting to join Bollywood. He said why wouldn’t she want to live and work in New York after studying so much, and rather do this? He also added that while he did not look down on acting, it wasn’t the most stable profession, and he wanted the best for his child. 

Saif Ali Khan

Saif isn’t the only actor who hoped his child would choose another profession. Sanjay Dutt jokingly mentioned earlier this year that he would have “broken her legs” had his daughter Trishala chosen to act. He added that he considered acting a tough job, and had invested time and effort to put her through college and get her a “safe” job. 

“In terms of a career, the industry is highly unpredictable,” reveals film historian S.M.M. Ausaja. “One needs to have talent and luck to sustain in the industry.” Ausaja adds that the fears of star parents are valid. “The only advantage a star kid gets is a decent launch. As guardians, no one would like to see their progeny suffer.”

An industry insider, on the condition of anonymity, says, “There’s also a belief that movies aren’t a real occupation. Knowing how fickle the industry and the associated fame can be, some of these stars would rather want their kids to do well in a ‘regular’ job. The pressure is also intense. Being able to handle the fame and constant media scrutiny is a difficult job,” says the source.  

The legend of the illustrious Kapoor family’s daughters not being allowed to get into the industry till Karisma broke the taboo is well-known. And it’s not just Saif’s daughter. His sister, Soha, too, claimed that she entered the film industry against the wishes of her family. “I went against my parent’s will and my brother was terrified,” said Soha, who holds a Masters degree from the London School of Economics. “Saif said that our parents would blame him because I left my job in a bank and lived with him in Mumbai and that this is all his influence.”

There’s also the ugly side of the industry that the actors are familiar with, and would want to shield their children from.

However, filmmaker Karan Anshuman rubbishes the apprehensions, and says that the film industry is a far cry now from what it used to be. “The industry has become a lot more professional. It’s a proper job that falls under the gamut of performing arts, and it should be treated as such. Also, with the constant scrutiny that the film industry faces, there’s more reason to realise that it’s alright to be here. Kids should be allowed to make their profession in their chosen field. After all, with Bollywood stars, it’s what they’ve grown up seeing their parents do,” he concludes. 

— With inputs from Somudra Banerjee