Neil Nitin Mukesh opens up about his journey, “Nepotism never helped me”

Neil Nitin Mukesh, the actor known for movies like ‘Johnny Gaddar’ and recently seen in the musical drama series ‘Hai Junoon’ on Jio Hotstar, recently shared some honest thoughts about his career and life in a new episode of SCREEN’s show ‘Dear Me…’ Season 2.

Neil spoke warmly about his childhood and how growing up around films shaped him. He began his journey as a child actor in the 1988 film ‘Vijay’, where he played young Rishi Kapoor. Later, he made his full acting debut in 2007 with ‘Johnny Gaddar’. But his path hasn’t been easy, even though he comes from a family deeply connected to the film world.

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Being the grandson of legendary singer Mukesh and son of playback singer Nitin Mukesh, Neil says many people think he had it easy because of his film background. But he strongly disagrees with the popular idea of “nepotism” in Bollywood.

Neil explained, “I don’t agree with the word nepotism at all. Yes, some people may have privileges, but many, like me, have worked very hard. Even though I was born in the film world, that didn’t help me get roles or jobs. I’m still trying to find my next project. The word ‘nepotism’ doesn’t fit my story because all three generations of my family had to struggle. We worked hard every day to earn our place and make a living.”

He also pointed out that talent is what really matters. “If you have talent, you will succeed. If you don’t, no matter how many chances you get, you won’t last,” Neil said. He praised actors like Shah Rukh Khan, who started outside the film industry but became a global superstar through hard work and talent. “He is a true inspiration for all of us,” Neil added.

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Neil also mentioned Kartik Aaryan, who is not from a film family but has become popular and is loved for his simple, genuine nature. He especially admired Kartik’s close bond with his parents, calling it “refreshing.”

According to Neil, the word “nepotism” is often used as an excuse by young actors who don’t want to work hard or wait patiently for their chance. “It becomes a handicap,” he said. “Many just say, ‘He got lucky because of his family,’ but what are you doing about your own career? If you keep blaming others, you won’t grow. Instead, focus on your craft and work hard.”

Neil gave examples of talented actors who rose purely on their own merit, like Manoj Bajpayee, Irrfan Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Pankaj Tripathi. He called them brilliant actors and said they never had any help from family connections.

Talking about his own family, Neil proudly shared his heritage and the struggles they faced. “My grandfather Mukesh ji and my father Nitin Mukesh ji both had tough journeys. It’s been three generations of hard work. Nobody handed us anything on a silver plate.”