Starkids BEING JEALOUS of Aneet Padda for BEING AN OUTSIDER?| Ahaan BEING IGNORE by Starkids?

Bollywood’s glittering landscape has always been divided between two broad camps—the insiders and the outsiders. The former, often born into film dynasties, walk into the industry with an inbuilt audience, guidance, and access. The latter, commonly referred to as outsiders, come from humble backgrounds and depend solely on their talent and relentless perseverance. The case of actress Anith Padda, who recently starred in the massively successful romantic film Sayara, appears to be the latest trigger in this long-standing divide.

What makes this narrative especially intriguing is the alleged cold response from several well-known Bollywood star kids to Sayara’s success—more specifically, the silence surrounding Anith’s performance. While Ahhaan Pandey, a star kid and co-star of the film, has received considerable appreciation from his Bollywood peers, Anith, despite delivering a heartfelt performance, has largely been ignored by the industry’s elite young circle. This has led fans and observers to question whether jealousy or insecurity is brewing beneath the surface.

Sayara has emerged as this year’s highest-grossing romantic film. It marks a rare case where both a star kid and an outsider shared the screen, but only one received overwhelming industry support. Ahhaan, cousin of actress Ananya Panday, was widely applauded on social media by many from Bollywood’s inner circle, especially by his family. Ananya herself made a separate, heartfelt post dedicated to her brother’s debut. But what stood out was the complete silence from the likes of Suhana Khan, Shanaya Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, and others—figures known for actively supporting each other’s projects.

In Bollywood, it’s common for debut films to be heavily promoted by the fraternity, especially within the circle of star kids who have grown up together. Many of them attended the same schools, share family friendships, and are constantly seen supporting each other on social media. They celebrate releases, attend screenings, and promote one another’s ventures through Instagram stories and posts. In the case of Anith Padda, despite her shared screen presence with Ahhaan and the critical and commercial success of Sayara, she was met with silence.

This lack of acknowledgment raises important questions. Is Anith being sidelined for being an outsider? Could it be that her authentic, natural presence and acting skills are perceived as a threat by the existing coterie of star kids?

Anith Padda hails from a modest Sikh family in Amritsar. Her journey to the silver screen has been anything but easy. Starting as a model during her college days while completing a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, she built her career from scratch. After auditioning for numerous roles and featuring in small commercials, she made her acting debut in a supporting role in the film Salaam Venky in 2022. She later appeared in a television series titled Big Girls Don’t Cry, but true recognition eluded her until Sayara happened.

Director Mohit Suri, known for creating emotionally resonant cinema, reportedly wanted a fresh face for Sayara. He emphasized the importance of casting someone with no cosmetic enhancements—someone natural, real, and emotionally expressive. Anith fit this description perfectly. Her expressive face, unmarred by fillers or surgeries, stood in stark contrast to the increasingly homogenized look of Bollywood’s new generation of actresses. This casting choice, though subtle, was interpreted by many as an indirect critique of the beauty standards often perpetuated by star kids, who are known to follow trends involving excessive cosmetic interventions.

What makes Anith’s performance in Sayara even more commendable is the emotional depth she brought to the role. Without relying on a legacy, powerful godfathers, or PR machinery, she captured the hearts of audiences through sheer talent. But rather than being embraced for her triumph, she appears to be experiencing the darker side of Bollywood’s nepotistic undertones.

While Ananya Panday did publicly support her cousin, her lack of acknowledgment for Anith stood out. More surprisingly, the tight-knit group of Suhana Khan, Shanaya Kapoor, and others—often seen promoting each other’s projects—chose to remain silent. These actresses are frequently spotted vacationing, attending parties, or even going to movie screenings together. They have posted stories and congratulated each other’s siblings and friends during debuts and film successes. Why not now?

Even Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter Suhana, who is reportedly close to Ahhaan and whose father is best friends with Ahhaan’s uncle Chikki Pandey, didn’t mention Sayara or Anith. This silence feels unnatural, especially considering the film’s commercial impact and the cultural importance of celebrating fresh talent.

An important distinction emerges when one examines how outsiders are treated even in romantic relationships. The case of Ibrahim Ali Khan and Palak Tiwari offers a striking parallel. Though reportedly dating, Palak, an outsider, appeared to be strategically excluded from promotions or social circles despite her personal ties. This suggests a pattern where outsiders are often accepted only within limits, and once their presence threatens the comfort or dominance of the inner circle, they’re quietly sidelined.

Social media plays a vital role in Bollywood PR and validation. With enormous fan followings, actors and actresses can significantly influence public perception by simply liking, commenting on, or sharing each other’s work. When that expected support is absent—particularly from individuals who regularly promote each other—it becomes glaringly obvious and even political.

Fortunately for Anith Padda, her raw talent has already earned her a place in Bollywood. Signing a three-film deal with YRF (Yash Raj Films), one of the most prestigious production houses in India, is a strong indicator of her rising star power. Industry insiders know that YRF contracts are not given lightly, especially to newcomers. This provides Anith a stable platform to grow without needing validation from the “in” crowd.

Interestingly, even Karan Johar, who is often accused of favoring star kids, publicly praised Sayara. In a heartfelt post, he commended the film’s emotional storytelling, its use of music, and both leads’ performances. He called Anith “lovely and amazing” and praised her vulnerability and strength on screen. While this gesture was appreciated, skeptics questioned whether Johar would have made such a statement had Ahhaan not been part of the film.

Johar has long been a controversial figure in the debate around nepotism. His track record of launching mostly star kids and his alleged indifference toward deserving outsiders have been critiqued in mainstream discourse. With Sayara, some believe he had no choice but to acknowledge the film’s brilliance, lest he be further accused of bias. The irony here is stark—Sayara might have inadvertently become a turning point, forcing Bollywood gatekeepers to confront the very real talent of outsiders.

What this saga reveals is not just a case of jealousy but a deeper discomfort with change. Anith Padda represents a shift in narrative. She is not merely another pretty face or a polished product of a privileged background. She embodies the dreams of countless young Indians who believe that talent and perseverance still count. That she may be making some of her contemporaries uncomfortable is not surprising—but it’s also not her problem.

As long as Anith remains grounded, focused, and committed to her craft, her career will speak louder than any silence surrounding it. She doesn’t need to fit into cliques or chase validation from those unwilling to extend a hand. Bollywood, like any other industry, is slowly learning that true talent finds its own place, no matter how many try to shut the door.

In the end, the success of Sayara and Anith’s growing popularity is not just a win for her—it’s a win for meritocracy, for individuality, and for every aspiring actor who dares to dream beyond the confines of legacy.

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