‘Nepo Kids’: What Manchu Manoj & Vijay Deverakonda Said Today
The nepotism debate in Indian cinema continues to stir opinions, and now, Manchu Manoj and Vijay Deverakonda have added their voices, offering honest takes that challenge some common assumptions.
At a recent event, Manchu Manoj didn’t mince words. Despite being the son of veteran actor Mohan Babu, he admitted that a film family background doesn’t guarantee success. “Even if you’re a nepo kid, you still have to earn it,” he said, referencing his rollercoaster career in Telugu cinema.
Though Manoj entered the industry with all the benefits of lineage, he couldn’t establish himself as a bankable lead actor. His recent comeback in a villainous role in Bhairavam failed to generate much impact, reinforcing his argument that talent and timing matter more than legacy.
This comes shortly after Vijay Deverakonda made a similar point in a recent interview. The Arjun Reddy actor shared that, without a film background, he had no luxury of rejecting poor scripts early in his career. “You say yes to survive,” he revealed, a sentiment that echoes the uphill battle many outsiders face.
Their comments highlight an evolving conversation in Tollywood, where nepotism may open doors, but only hard work and audience connection keep those doors open.
Even legendary families haven’t always produced stars. From SV Ranga Rao’s descendants to NTR’s children, not everyone achieved stardom. Among the Akkineni clan, only Naga Chaitanya has found some stable ground, while Akhil Akkineni still awaits a major blockbuster.
On the flip side, actors like Chiranjeevi, Ravi Teja, and Nani—who came from outside the industry—have built careers through sheer grit and consistency, proving that legacy isn’t everything.
As the industry shifts and fans grow more vocal, these candid admissions from both insiders and outsiders remind us that success in cinema isn’t inherited—it’s earned.
