The Kangana Ranaut - Karan Johar 'Nepotism' debate: Who said what?

Kangana Ranaut is known to grab headlines each time she gives out an interview. While on Koffee with Karan, Kangana slammed Karan Johar and called him a snooty flag bearer of nepotism who is intolerant to outsiders. That went on and on and it was KJo who lashed out against the Queen actress in an interview later.

Karan asked Kangana not to play the victim card and asked her to leave the industry if she felt so traumatised by it. This didn't go down well with Kangs who, in another full fledged interview, went ballistic and snubbed the filmmaker again. Ever since then, their ugly debate has become a hot topic of discussion in filmy circles. 

And now, celebrities have reacted to the whole 'nepotism' issue -

Sonam Kapoor -
I said it was very entertaining. Every morning I wake up and it's great bathroom reading. It's mudslinging of the worst kind. I don't know Kangana. I know Karan very well. I find Kangana very entertaining and that's about it. I don't want to comment on something that looks opportunistic, honestly. And I believe you are a feminist when you build other people up, especially other women. All I can say is that I respect the choices that she has made in her career till now. I made a decision when I was very young after my second or first Koffee With Karan - it was that I would not do mudslinging when other actors and actresses are concerned because I would not do it for TRP's, I would not do it for a channel and I felt if I have to give an opinion or be opinionated, it would have to be for something that is relevant and I don't think dragging someone down or criticizing someone or having this public spat - I find it very distasteful. You can set examples without washing your dirty linen in public.

Aamir Khan -
I think it’s a normal human tendency to try and help people who you love and care for. It doesn’t have to be someone who is part of your family, it could be someone you care for. It’s a very natural emotion. I try to make sure that in my work, I don’t let it interfere. As a creative person, I am responsible to my audience and I give huge importance to that. I try not to bring in emotions in my work.

Alia Bhatt -
I think a star kid can get that first film due to nepotism. But to constantly get films just because you belong to a filmi family, is not possible. I don’t want to take any names, but there have been many examples of sons and daughters of lineage who have come and gone without achieving anything. What about that? Eventually, people come to see you as an actor and not because your family is famous, and you can’t fool them. I am aware people do struggle to make a mark in the industry, but it’s not right to blame nepotism. I didn’t plan my birth in the Bhatt family. I can’t change that and today, I am successful not just because my family is famous, but also because I have worked hard and you can’t take it away from me.

Swara Bhaskar -
I think more than nepotistic, Bollywood operates on relationships. It’s not a sarkari organisation holding exams where you get through on the basis of merit. It’s feudal in its nature where certain people have the power to make casting calls hence relationships matter. Of course it matters if you are a star child. But look at Shah Rukh Khan, he is the biggest star and he is an outsider. So is Deepika (Padukone), Priyanka Chopra and Kangana. Talent doesn’t remain hidden in the industry.

Rajkummar Rao -
I love watching talented actors on screen, I don’t mind if they’re somebody’s son or daughter in the industry. I want to see talent on screen. The problem would be if they are not talented an they are still on screen, then that’s not fair! So, if someone is worthy and talented, then why not? I have no problem with that