“Even star-kids have to struggle to live up to expectations. Starry success depends mainly on talent and luck,“ said Abhishek Bachchan whose debut movie ‘Refugee’ completes 25 years! by Chaitanya Padukone

The landmark National Film Awards winning musical movie ‘Refugee (2000) starring debut actors Abhishek Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor, directed by daring, dynamic film-maker J P Dutta (Jyoti Prakash Dutta), just completed 25 years (Silver Jubilee). But the movie and its melodious lyrical-value songs composed by genius Anu Malik—are evergreen

Way back in 2000, the word “nepotism” was very rarely used nor was it openly criticized.

It was only maybe during the past decade, that the word “nepotism’, came into sudden limelight and criticism---- especially after the controversial verbal battle between Kangana Ranaut and Karan Johar.

Versatile star-actor Abhishek Bachchan ( whom  I personally know since 1998) has spoken up recently about the much-discussed nepotism debate in Bollywood. “Coming from a film family may only give easier opportunity or your initial debut-chance. . But it does not always guarantee continued success or steady work in the industry. Regardless of  filmy background, each actor must prove themselves and earn their place with their own merit and talent and backed by loads of luck and sustained audience support “  Abhishek’s  honest and realistic reactions statements have been appreciated by both critics and fans.

Abhishek’s candid take challenges the incorrect myths and assumptions surrounding star-kids and highlights the realities of sustaining a long-run career in showbiz.

Meanwhile, ‘ Refugee’  heroine Kareena Kapoor, has also shared her recent reactions on the ‘nepo-kids’ syndrome in Bollywood. Reacts the ‘Jab We Met’ heroine, “One may commonly observe that sons and daughters are proudly inducted into their respective father’s profession or business. Even in the music industry and creative performing dance arts this is quite evident However, in showbiz acting it attracts maximum limelight-focus. Its mainly because of consistent dedication, passion and re-inventing myself in different characters and fitness regimes that I have been able to survive and thrive for the past 25 years. There are so many star-kids or nepo-kids for whom their acting carerrs did not take off, the way it was expected. There is a dignified silent struggle for me, most of the time. Conversely, there are so many top-star actors like Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, Kartik Aaryan,  Rajkummar Yadav who are ‘not’ star-kids ( ‘outsiders’) and yet they have achieved super-success, thru passion and dedication,” justifies gorgeous Kareena (“Bebo”)  

It has been 25 years since Refugee, a poignant romantic drama that marked the debut of Abhishek Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor establishing them as promising star-talents, was released but the film’s director J P Dutta feels it was just two days ago.. “It’s my daughter Nidhi (writer-producer) and the news-media that’s made me realize that 25 years have passed! It feels like yesterday I was in Bhuj on location with these star-kids starting off the film …Time has flown!” says J P Dutta highly acclaimed and recognized for his period-war thriller patriotic movie dramas like Border and LOC: Kargil among others.

Set against the backdrop of the India-Pakistan border, Refugee ( a non-war film)  tells the gripping story of a nameless young man, known only as Refugee (Abhishek Bachchan), who helps illegal immigrants cross the border. During one of his missions, he encounters  Nazneen (Kareena Kapoor), a beautiful young bold woman fleeing from neighboring country Pakistan with her family. As 'refugee' and Nazneen's paths cross, they form a deep bond that eventually blossoms into love. However, their relationship faces numerous challenges as they navigate the complex political and social issues that divide their countries. The film ‘Refugee’ which also has Suniel Shetty ( as Pakistani army officer ) and Jackie Shroff (as Indian BSF Commandant) and Anupam Kher  is a compelling narrative of love, sacrifice, and the human spirit, brought to life by impactful screen- performances

 The dignified J P Dutta has often said that he was and is like a ‘father-figure’ to both Abhishek and Kareena and that Refugee remains one of his special films, “Because it gave Indian cinema two of its finest and versatile brilliant actors, who had no tantrums and zero attitude..Never once did I feel that I was directing legendary Raj Kapoor’s grand-daughter  (Kareena) and iconic superstar Amitabh Bachchan’s son ( Abhishek),” insists J P Dutta who is delighted that today in 2025, both Abhishek and Kareena are top stars who are highly appreciated  for their versatile acting talents  and on-screen charisma.

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