The term star kid has been used almost in a derogatory fashion by Indian film fans of late. With the growing debate around nepotism , the term has indeed acquired some negative connotations, with even many so-called 'insiders' distancing themselves from their privileges. But it wasn't always so.
A couple of generations ago, star kids were feted and even applauded for their 'lineage'. And it was around then that the first successful star kid emerged in Bollywood, one who would go on to become arguably the most successful, too. ( Also read: RK Film Festival begins today: From Awara to Bobby, 7 Raj Kapoor films you can see in theatres now ) India's most successful star kid The Kapoor family is often considered India's biggest and most influential film clan.
Having been around for a century (since Prithviraj Kapoor entered films in the 1920s), it has given countless stars to Hindi cinema. Among the biggest names is Raj Kapoor , the eldest son of Prithviraj and Bollywood's first and most successful star kid. Raj Kapoor worked in over 60 films in a career that spanned four decades, delivering 5 blockbusters, 1 superhit, and 11 other hits.
These include a stupendous run in 1949 when his two films - Andaz and Barsaat - broke the record for highest-grossing Indian film twice in three months. At this time, Raj Kapoor was all of 25. He yet again gave an all-time blockbuster two years later in Awaara.
There have been star kids with more hits over the course of their careers, but no other.
