Nepotism, studio loyalties, and the casting tug‑of‑war are shaping who lands marquee roles in Bollywood. The spotlight keeps circling Ranbir Kapoor, and the networks around Dharma are cited as steering big‑screen decisions behind the scenes [1].
Inside chatter centers on Somen Mishra, once a blogger who joined Junglee Pictures as a production supervisor before moving to Dharma, a path that fuels claims of a pro‑Dharma ecosystem wired to insiders. That path fuels a persistent sense that access to top projects rides on inside connections [1].
On the film front, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is said to have given Baiju Bawra its lead to Ranbir Kapoor, with the project set to go on floors next year after Love and War. SLB’s loyalty to Ranbir is painted as a career‑defining move that could shape the movie’s fate [3].
Casting debates ricochet around Wamiqa Gabbi and the nepotism talk—one post even calling Dharma’s moves a bid to keep non‑nepo talents at arm’s length while trying to appease audiences [2]. Fans are watching whether merit or insider networks win in the long run.
Meanwhile, stake chatter colors the nepotism narrative: Adar Ponwalla buying half of Dharma; critics point to Karan Johar continuing to back a nepotism‑friendly slate, noting the lineup’s claimed rigidity post‑stake sale [4].
Bottom line: insider networks and production power still steer Bollywood’s marquee bets, for better or worse.
References
Ranbir Kapoor the Gossip King of Bollywood
Ranbir Kapoor accused as gossip icon; threads discuss Dharma PR, industry nepotism, journalist ties, and celebrity gossip culture influence online.
View sourceBB did it big this time!!
BB and Wamiqa casting sparks nepotism debate; fans on Karan, Dharma, and film potential; reactions range from supportive to critical.
View sourceSLB gifts lead role in Baiju Bawra to Ranbir on his birthday. Film to go on floors next year post Love and War release
Bhansali gifts Ranbir Baiju Bawara lead; debate over Ranveer vs Ranbir, DP and Alia; SLB casting politics and loyalties
View sourceWhy is there no change in dharma productions slate despite karan losing 50 percent stake last year
Discusses Dharma stake sale to Adar, nepotism debates, recent flops, casting choices, and potential SRK or South star collaborations noted.
View source