Aadar Jain Says Nepotism Doesn't Apply To Him: 'I'm Kareena And Ranbir's Cousin, But...'

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Aadar Jain breaks silence on nepotism, saying being Kareena Kapoor Khan and Ranbir Kapoor's cousin hasn't guaranteed him films.
For years, the term nepotism has been one of the most hotly debated topics in Bollywood. It often comes up when discussing the journeys of actors born into film families—those who are assumed to have easier access to opportunities, auditions, and projects. But Aadar Jain, despite being the grandson of legendary actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor and cousin to Bollywood A-listers Kareena Kapoor Khan and Ranbir Kapoor, has a different story to tell.
In a candid chat with ETimes, the Qaidi Band actor shared why he doesn't believe he's a 'product of nepotism" in the way people assume. 'People discuss nepotism, but I haven't reaped its rewards. Sure, I am Raj Kapoor's grandson, and I am cousins with Kareena and Ranbir Kapoor, but that doesn't mean I get to star in 50 films a year or continuously sign brand deals and endorsements. Sadly, in that regard, I haven't been a product of nepotism," Aadar explained.
A Journey Marked by Struggle
The perception that a famous surname automatically leads to constant film offers doesn't match Aadar's reality. He has had to fight for every opportunity that has come his way. 'It hasn't been simple. It has been a challenge. I have auditioned at numerous places. I've faced many rejections," he admitted.
For him, rejection has been one of the toughest parts of the job. 'Coping with those rejections is tough. I am passionate about my work. So, when you're not able to engage in what you love frequently, it certainly stings. The goal is to keep getting back up and motivating yourself," he shared, adding that his motivation comes from a deep love for cinema rather than a desire for quick fame.
Viewing Challenges as Lessons
Aadar chooses to see his struggles not as deterrents but as valuable experiences that shape him as an actor and individual. 'I look at all these challenges as life lessons," he said.
He also revealed that getting to his third project wasn't a quick process. 'It has taken me time to secure my third project, which was Hello Charlie," he added, implying that patience and resilience have been key in his career so far.
Life Beyond Films
Outside of his professional life, Aadar has also made headlines for his personal milestones. Earlier this year, he married Alekha Advani in an intimate Christian wedding in Goa, followed by a grand Hindu ceremony in Mumbai. Their love story began in 2023, and in September of the same year, Aadar proposed to Alekha.
Before Alekha, Aadar was in a relationship with actress Tara Sutaria. The two made their romance Instagram official in August 2020, often sharing affectionate posts, but later decided to part ways.
The Nepotism Debate and His Stand
Aadar's comments add nuance to the nepotism debate, which often paints all star kids with the same broad brush. While he acknowledges the privilege of his family background—being born into the illustrious Kapoor lineage—he makes it clear that this hasn't guaranteed him consistent work or widespread industry favour.
His perspective mirrors that of other actors who have also spoken about the flip side of being from a film family: the heightened expectations, constant comparisons, and the assumption that every success is unearned. For Aadar, the conversation isn't about denying privilege, but about clarifying that hard work and perseverance remain necessary—connections alone aren't enough.
A Career Still Unfolding
From his debut in Qaidi Band to his more recent projects, Aadar's career has been a slow build rather than an overnight success story. With his determination, openness to learning, and willingness to face rejection head-on, he is steadily carving a space for himself on his own terms.
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