In the kaleidoscopic world of Bollywood, where dynasties have long shaped the course of cinema, 2025 marks both a reaffirmation and a recalibration of the so-called “nepo kid” phenomenon. Even as nepotism is still debated across social media and awards, the industry is moving forward, now requiring actors to be skilled and relatable to online viewers. Some kids connected to famous names are managing to build up their own careers, while others, National Reports noticed, who were supposed to be stars are falling out of the spotlight.
This article discusses 25 nepo kids who are currently shaping Bollywood—those rising, those who have faded and those in-between.
The Ascendants: Rising Stars Redefining Legacy
These young actors are making a mark not just because of where they come from, but what they bring to the screen.
1. Ibrahim Ali Khan
Son of Saif Ali Khan & Amrita Singh
By performing in Sarzameen, Ibrahim is showing he has confidence in front of an audience. People observe that his persona is both close to Saif’s former style and still unique for his generation.
2. Khushi Kapoor
Daughter of Boney Kapoor & Sridevi
After The Archies, Khushi’s upcoming indie romance and her nuanced acting workshops in New York signal she’s serious about craft over glam.
3. Suhana Khan
Daughter of Shah Rukh Khan & Gauri Khan
Even though her first film Archies didn’t have big box office numbers, her confident acting and upcoming series could change things for her.
4. Agastya Nanda
Grandson of Amitabh Bachchan
He is known for being a legend, yet he is promising in films set outside modern times and in roles focused on the character. The movie he is making with Shoojit Sircar could have a major impact on his career.
5. Shanaya Kapoor
Daughter of Sanjay & Maheep Kapoor
She might not have been tested yet as the lead, but Shanaya’s first film with Dharma proves their belief in her mainstream appeal.
6. Junaid Khan
Son of Aamir Khan
A theater-trained actor, Junaid’s debut in Maharaj shows intellectual depth and a deviation from formulaic paths.
7. Aryan Khan
Son of Shah Rukh Khan
Choosing direction over acting, Aryan’s upcoming series Stardom is one of the most awaited projects of 2025, showing his knack for storytelling.
8. Pashmina Roshan
Niece of Hrithik Roshan
Positioned as the next glam heroine, Pashmina is blending commercial instincts with an acting coach-heavy foundation.
The Plateau: Promising Yet Uncertain
These stars showed early promise, but their trajectory remains unclear—caught in the unpredictability of an audience that demands more than name value.
9. Ananya Panday
Daughter of Chunky Panday
Despite consistent releases, Ananya’s films often underperform critically. Her OTT debut, however, may mark a turning point if she leans into more layered roles.
10. Tiger Shroff
Son of Jackie Shroff
Once hailed as the future of action cinema, Tiger’s last few box office outings have flopped. The genre fatigue is real, and reinvention is now critical.
11. Janhvi Kapoor
Daughter of Sridevi & Boney Kapoor
A darling of directors and fashion brands alike, Janhvi walks a tightrope between serious cinema and glam roles, but consistency in performance remains elusive.
12. Sara Ali Khan
Daughter of Saif Ali Khan & Amrita Singh
While Sara began strong, her choices have been erratic. Her charm endures, but she now needs a script that shows growth and gravitas.
13. Ahaan Shetty
Son of Suniel Shetty
After a lukewarm debut, Ahaan is still finding his footing. Upcoming projects in the action-romance genre may help cement his brand.
14. Meezan Jafri
Son of Jaaved Jaaferi
Despite strong dancing and screen presence, Meezan lacks a standout film to anchor his career. Streaming platforms could be his best bet forward.
15. Alaya F
Daughter of Pooja Bedi
Critics admire her, but the box office hasn’t followed. Her social media-savvy persona may be distracting from her true acting potential.
The Descendants in Decline
These nepo kids once rode on family fame but have since faltered in carving sustainable careers.
16. Athiya Shetty
Daughter of Suniel Shetty
After a handful of underwhelming films, Athiya has quietly stepped away from the limelight, choosing brand endorsements and selective public appearances.
17. Harshvardhan Kapoor
Son of Anil Kapoor
Experimental to a fault, Harshvardhan’s film choices haven’t connected with mainstream or niche audiences. Despite critical support, his career seems stalled.
18. Pranutan Bahl
Granddaughter of Nutan
Her talent is evident, but roles have been limited and impact minimal. Bollywood hasn’t given her the breakthrough she deserves.
19. Karan Deol
Son of Sunny Deol
Even the success of Gadar 2 couldn’t uplift Karan’s brand. Critics cite a lack of screen charisma and acting depth.
20. Armaan Jain
Cousin of Ranbir Kapoor
Despite the Kapoor lineage, Armaan has remained on the periphery of Bollywood with few notable roles or performances.
The Curious Cases: Emerging or Evaporating?
These young talents hover in ambiguity, with potential yet unproven trajectories.
21. Yashvardhan Ahuja
Son of Govinda
In training but still unlaunched, Yashvardhan represents a “wait and watch” case as he eyes a 2026 debut.
22. Zahan Kapoor
Grandson of Shashi Kapoor
Active in theater, Zahan’s presence in indie circuits is being noticed. Whether he can bridge the gap to mainstream remains uncertain.
23. Palak Tiwari
Daughter of Shweta Tiwari
A viral sensation and music video staple, Palak’s mainstream acting credentials are yet to be tested seriously.
24. Alaaya Furniturewala
Granddaughter of Kabir Bedi
Despite a promising debut (Jawaani Jaaneman), Alaaya has yet to translate critical acclaim into mainstream success.
25. Manushi Chhillar
Miss World 2017; debuted with Akshay Kumar
Though not from a film family, her entry was backed by YRF. Straddling glamour and performance, her future remains unpredictable.
Nepotism 2.0: Context Over Condemnation
There has been a shift in how people talk about nepotism in 2025. People now pay more attention when it comes to entertainment. Being related to royalty could win a debutante a place; however, now, lasting success depends on their ability to adapt, speak honestly and connect with fans online.
Thanks to streaming, performers of all backgrounds can reach a wider audience, dependent only on how talented they are. Star kids are not always favored by the industry these days.
Conclusion: Beyond the Bloodline
Legacy will open doors in Bollywood 2025, yet it won’t prevent you from being let go. A few nepo kids are growing in the industry by getting better, choosing strong projects and welcoming new forms of storytelling. A few continue to fight the pressure from others or risk being forgotten.
Since taste in cinema keeps changing and old fans are not guaranteed, the elite second generation actors in Bollywood must succeed with their talents, not only through their family names.
