Mahesh Babu’s son, Gautam Ghattamaneni. (DC)

A one-star review is routine on the internet. When it comes from Mahesh Babu’s son, Gautam Ghattamaneni, however, it becomes a talking point. His Letterboxd ratings went viral after he gave Nani’s The Paradise one star, describing its editing as “atrocious” and rated Yash’s Toxic half a star. He has also given low ratings to some of his father’s films.

Gautam responded to the attention with a cheeky update to his bio: “Welcome to this apparently national news worthy page. I will try to live up to that.” Behind the online chatter lies a larger question: can star children express honest opinions without inviting backlash? An ordinary viewer’s rating may pass unnoticed; the same verdict from a celebrity’s child can be interpreted as an industry slight or even a breach of family loyalty!

While some star children choose careers outside acting, others embrace different roles within cinema. Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan opted for writing and direction, while Amitabh Bachchan’s granddaughter Navya Naveli Nanda pursued entrepreneurship and social initiatives. Their choices reflect the varied paths available to the next generation of film families.

A famous surname brings privilege, but also scrutiny. For star children, even personal preferences can become public statements about family, fandom or the film industry. They deserve the freedom to choose their careers, voice opinions and build their own identities without every choice becoming a controversy.

WHO SAYS WHAT?

Freedom to choose: Actor Paresh Rawal, whose sons Anirudh and Aditya are actors, believes children should choose their own careers. “Neither of my sons was ever told to become an actor. I would have been equally happy if they had chosen to be doctors or police officers.” A famous surname, he believes, should not dictate a child’s future.

Family-business effect: Critic Rahul Desai compares the pressure to joining a family business. “One ends up reflecting the spirit of the family and job. There’s no real room for individualism after a point.”

Social media before substance: Critic Raja Sen warns that online visibility can precede professional credibility. “This pre-built social media attention […] turns them into influencers before they’ve achieved anything as performers.” The distinction between online popularity and acceptance as performers, he suggests, can become blurred.

Journey matters: Critic Mayank Shekhar argues that beginnings should not define an entire career. “What’s important is where one arrives.”

Finding an individual voice: Critic Sreehari Nair believes independence requires both an understanding of one’s legacy and confidence in one’s own abilities. “You have to be both proud of your father and slightly embarrassed by him to walk your own path .”

STAR CHILDREN, THEIR OWN RULES

Aryan Khan — Behind camera: Shah Rukh Khan’s son chose writing and direction over acting, making his directorial debut with Netflix’s The Ba*ds of Bollywood in 2025.

Aarav Kumar — Fashion, not films: Akshay Kumar’s son has shown an interest in fashion design, choosing a path outside the film industry.

Jason Sanjay — Choosing direction: Actor Vijay’s son has pursued filmmaking, with Sigma marking his directorial project rather than an acting debut.

Navya Naveli Nanda — Business over Bollywood: Amitabh Bachchan’s granddaughter has pursued entrepreneurship and social initiatives rather than an acting career, carving out an identity beyond the film industry.

Limits of candour:

Fame comes with constraints, says filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. “Children of actors have to think twice or thrice before saying anything. They can’t express their opinions like other children.” Celebrity children, he believes, face scrutiny that can make candid expression difficult.

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