The debate around Bollywood star kids and privilege never seems to end. While it’s true that they get easier access to the industry but what often gets ignored is the pressure that comes with a famous surname. Not every star kid becomes a successful actor, and many struggle to connect with audiences despite repeated chances. However, some of them didn’t stop at failure. Instead, they switched paths and found success behind the scenes as producers, studio heads and business leaders running multi-million–rupee companies.
Here’s a closer look at Bollywood star kids who didn’t make it big as actors but rebuilt their careers in film production and business.
Jackky Bhagnani: From Actor to Studio Head
Jackky Bhagnani, son of Pooja Entertainment founder Vashu Bhagnani entered Bollywood as an actor with Kal Kissne Dekha (2009) which failed at the box office. But his next film F.A.L.T.U (2011) made an average business, raising hopes of a turnaround. Unfortunately, several films after that failed one after another with Mitron (2018) marking the end of his acting run.
Rather than pushing himself as an actor, Jackky shifted focus to production. Along with his sister Deepshikha Deshmukh, he took over Pooja Entertainment. Starting with the short film Carbon (2017), he went on to produce films like Dil Junglee, Jawaani Jaaneman, Coolie No. 1 and more. Today, Jackky is known more as a successful producer than an actor.
Sohail Khan and Arbaaz Khan: Stronger Behind the Camera
While Salman Khan became a massive superstar, his brothers Sohail Khan and Arbaaz Khan never found consistent success as leading actors despite doing many films. Audience acceptance remained limited.
However, both found their real calling as producers. Sohail Khan Productions and Arbaaz Khan Productions delivered several hit films including Partner, Ready, Jai Ho, Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?, the hugely successful Dabangg franchise among others. Their contribution behind the scenes proved far more impactful than their acting careers.
Luv and Kussh Sinha: Shifting Focus to Creative Control
Luv and Kussh Sinha, sons of legendary actor Shatrughan Sinha, faced similar struggles. Luv made his acting debut with Sadiyaan (2010) but the film failed badly and his performance was criticized. Later films like Paltan (2018) and Gadar 2 (2023) didn’t establish him as a leading actor either.
The brothers then moved into production under their banner The House of Creativity (HOC) and Kussh also tried his hands on direction with Nikita Roy (2025), starring their sister Sonakshi Sinha. Their shift reflects a conscious decision to stay in cinema without chasing stardom.
Harman Baweja: Reinventing Through Production
Harman Baweja, son of filmmaker Harry Baweja, made one of Bollywood’s most hyped debuts with Love Story 2050 (2008). The film failed, and so did his later acting projects. Though he continued acting sporadically, including a role in Netflix’s Scoop (2023), mainstream success remained elusive.
Today, Harman focuses on Baweja Studios which has produced some of the successful films and series like Mrs, Haq, Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas, and Perusu all in 2025. His journey shows how stepping away from acting helped him stay relevant in the industry.
Also Read: After Dharmendra’s Passing, Mumtaz Recalls Seeing Him On Ventilator: “Sirf Unka Ek Jhalak…”
Girish Kumar: Choosing Business Over the Camera
Girish Kumar, son of Tips Industries co-founder Ramesh Taurani debuted with Ramaiya Vastavaiya (2013). Despite decent music popularity, the film failed commercially and critics were unimpressed with his performance. His next film Loveshhuda also didn’t sit well with the audience.
Girish stepped away from acting and moved into the business side. Today, he serves as COO of Tips Industries, focusing on operations and expansion rather than creative production, playing a key role in running one of India’s biggest music and film companies.
Tusshar Kapoor: Balancing Acting and Production
Tusshar Kapoor, son of Jeetendra never fully succeeded as a leading actor despite multiple attempts. However, his role in the Golmaal franchise remains iconic.
He later ventured into production with Tusshar Entertainment House. His banner backed films like Laxmii (2020), a commercial hit and Maarrich: Catch the Evil (2022). Though he still acts occasionally, production has become a major focus.
Mimoh and Ushmey Chakraborty: Carrying the Legacy Differently
Sons of Mithun Chakraborty, Mimoh and Ushmey both tried acting but failed to establish strong careers. Mimoh debuted with Jimmy (2008) and did several films without much success. Ushmey also debuted the same year in Phir Kabhi.
Ushmey now heads Chariot Films, taking over production responsibilities from his father while Mimoh recently launched his own banner MYRND Movies. Their younger brother Namashi continues acting, keeping the family’s cinematic presence alive.
Not every star kid is meant to shine in front of the camera. While acting may not have worked for these names, their stories prove that success in Bollywood doesn’t have only one definition. By adapting, learning and moving behind the scenes, they’ve built strong careers that keep them firmly rooted in the film industry – just not under the spotlight.
source https://lehren.com/bollywood-star-kids-didnt-became-success-in-scting-but-rebuilt-their-careers-as-producers/
