Whether you admit it or not, Bollywood to a large extent, is a family affair. The topic of nepotism has gained so much hype recently, but in fact it is something that has been going on since ages and will continue to do so, not just in Bollywood, but in any field. While an artist can get his break in the industry through their family influence or status, it is the talent and only talent that can help them survive in this fiercely competitive world. People often forget that just getting a good break is not enough; you have to up your game constantly to stay relevant. Over the years, we have seen many stars who may have got their breaks because of the family name but proved that they are talented enough for a place in the industry. Today we list down some of the most successful father son duos that we have seen in Bollywood.
Raj Kapoor - Rishi Kapoor 

Raj Kapoor is known as the "the greatest showman of Hindi cinema”. He earned this title because his films not only attracted audiences in India, but also the entire world particularly in Europe. A son of such a massive star making his Bollywood debut definitely will have to deal with expectations. However, from his first film itself, Rishi Kapoor proved he has what it takes to match those expectations. His debut film Bobby went on to become a massive hit and the nation knew that he was a star in the making.

 

Rishi Kapoor - Ranbir Kapoor 

 

Ever since his debut film Bobby, Rishi Kapoor instantly became the heartthrob of that generation with girls from all over the country swooning over his looks. Rishi Kapoor’s debut film went on to be the biggest success of the year and proved that the film industry has a new star. While Ranbir might not have had the same blockbuster debut in Bollywood, he seems to be re-living his father's journey as he has girls going gaga over his good looks. After his first two films failed to create much buzz at the box-office, he came into the spotlight with Wake Up Sid. His performance in the film proved that he has what it takes to be amongst the best and has just kept improving ever since. The two worked together in Abhinav Kashyap’s Besharam (2013) and unfortunately the film failed to impress the critics as well as the audience which resulted in a poor run at the box-office. However, we really hope to see the two of them back together! 

                                                                             
Dharmendra Deol - Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol
 

Dharmendra was one of the giants ruling the Bollywood industry in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Known for his performances in action-packed films, Dharmendra earned nicknames such as "Action King" and “He-Man". Sunny Deol proved to be a worthy successor to carry forward his father’s legacy. In a film career spanning over thirty five years and over hundred films, Sunny has won two National Film Awards and also has two Filmfare Awards to his name. Bobby Deol too had his fair share of success with his film career spanning over two decades. The trio are a great success whenever they come together and the success of the Yamla Pagla Deewana franchise proves that.  
 
Yash Johar - Karan Johar 

 

Yash Johar without a doubt was one of the most influential producers. He produced notable films like Agneepath, Gumrah and Duplicate under Dharma Productions. He was also the most loved person in the industry. Insiders always remember him as the most generous producer. When his son Karan Johar delivered Kuch Kuch Hota Hai under the same banner, people knew that he has the potential to create something even bigger. His exceptional track record speaks for itself really.  Karan Johar has made himself a brand name in Bollywood and has transformed Dharma into one of the most prestigious production house in the business. It will not be starch to call it the premiere production house in the country. And just like his father, Karan too has earned the title of being the most loved person of the industry. Guess it’s all about being like your parents.  

Javed Akhtar - Farhan Akhtar 

 
Javed Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar are probably the most talented-father son duo we have in the industry. Javed made his reputation as one of the best lyricists and screen writers in the industry. Farhan has excelled in fields like directing, acting, producing and even singing. Before Farhan’s debut as a director with Dil Chahta Hai (2001), he had a lot of expectations on him as he was the son to the legendary Javed Akhtar. However, from the first film itself, he proved that he has the potential to do justice to his father’s great legacy. 
 
Sunil Dutt - Sanjay Dutt 

 

Sunil Dutt was an actor who went on to have a wonderful career and was respected by one and all. Sanjay Dutt soon followed suit and has enjoyed a successful Bollywood career for over two decades now. This father and son duo had gone through a tumultuous journey which involved Sanjay’s battle against drugs and the accusation of being a terrorist. However, their love for each other gave them the strength for getting through it. The two also appeared in Rajkumar Hirani’s Munna Bhai M.B.B.S (2003) which went on to be a smash hit. 

 
Yash Chopra - Aditya Chopra
 

Yash Chopra and Aditya Chopra are filmmakers who have made some of the best films of Hindi cinema. Yash Chopra was an icon for making films like Deewar, Silsila and Lamhe. He was the proudest father when his son gave India’s biggest romantic hit with his debut film – Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge. Aditya also made Yash Raj Films the biggest production house of the country, producing many massive films every year.
 
Amitabh Bachchan - Abhishek Bachchan  

Amitabh Bachchan is probably the biggest star of the Indian film industry of all time. He is literally worshipped by the people of the country for his contribution to the entertainment industry. With all the accomplishments he’s had, it just isn’t easy being Amitabh’s son. Even though Abhishek might not have been able to replicate his father’s success on screen, he sure has made his mark with some scintillating performances. The two will always be remembered for their performances in the film Paa (2009) were they underwent a role reversal on screen. 
 
Salim Khan - Salman Khan 

Salim Khan’s pairing along with Javed Akhtar is rated as the best in the history of Indian Cinema. Their films are among the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. They were the biggest screen writers our industry as ever seen. And ever since Salman’s debut, people knew that he was going places. Salman Khan has steadily worked his way up to become one of the leading men in the industry. One blockbuster father-son duo this is.
 
Rakesh Roshan - Hrithik Roshan 

 

This has to be one of the most successful partnerships in Bollywood. The two created magic on screen when Rakesh Roshan directed Hrithik’s debut film Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai. The film broke many box-office records and earned a place in the Guiness Book of World Records for bagging most awards by a feature film. While both of them have had their fair share of successes individually, they also delivered hits together other than Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai including Koi Mill Gaya and the two Krrish films. They will soon be collaborating again as Rakesh has confirmed that Krrish 4 is in the pipeline. 
 
David Dhawan - Varun Dhawan 

David Dhawan is a director who has time and again proven to be a winner at the box-office. He created his own brand of comedy cinema with films like Judwaa (1997), Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998), Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge (2000), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) and Partner (2007). If David Dhawan is said to be a commercial director, Varun Dhawan is the commercial hero of today’s generation.

Although, Varun Dhawan has done his fair share of content driven films like October and Badlapur, he perfectly fits the bill for the masala Bollywood hero. Making his debut back in 2012, he is the only star rocking with a 100% success record at the box-office. 
 
Jackie Shroff - Tiger Shroff 

 

Jackie Shroff entertained us for many years with his stellar acting skills. And now his son, Tiger Shroff, is doing the same thing along with treating the audience to some amazing dance moves and action sequences. With just five films under his belt, it is obviously too early to compare him to his father in any way. However, we do feel that he has started off on the right track and will end up being a star as big has his father, if not bigger.

More on: Ranbir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan, Varun Dhawan, Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff

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