Archive · 30 Oct 2025
New-Age Film Heirs Step Behind the Camera
Some kids whose parents are famous movie stars are deciding to learn how movies are made from the very beginning.
Instead of just acting in front of the camera, they are choosing to work behind it.
Some are learning how to direct, some are writing stories, and others are making music for the films.
For example, one famous actor's son is learning to be an assistant director, and another famous actor's son is becoming a music composer.
This shows they want to understand all the different parts of making a movie.
It's like learning to cook by first learning how to chop vegetables and then maybe one day becoming a head chef.
This new generation is finding their own way in the movie business.
Children of famous film personalities are opting for behind-the-scenes roles like assistant directing, writing, composing, and directing.
Mahadhan Bhupathiraju (son of Ravi Teja) and Rishie Manoj (son of Trivikram Srinivas) are working as assistant directors.
Akira Nandan (son of Pawan Kalyan) is focusing on music composition, having scored a short film.
Jason Sanjay (son of Thalapathy Vijay) is making his directorial debut, and Aryan Khan (son of Shah Rukh Khan) has directed a project.
Industry producer TG Vishwa Prasad views this trend as a sign of maturity and a healthy development for the future of cinema.
- Who
- Sons and daughters of established film industry figures, including Ravi Teja, Trivikram Srinivas, Pawan Kalyan, Shobu Yarlagadda, Thalapathy Vijay, and Shah Rukh Khan.
- What
- Several film industry heirs are choosing to learn the craft behind the camera, working as assistant directors, directors, composers, and writers, rather than immediately pursuing acting careers.
- When
- Currently, reflecting a recent trend in the Indian film industry.
- Where
- Primarily in Tollywood (Telugu cinema), with examples also in Tamil cinema and Bollywood.
- Why
- To gain a comprehensive understanding of filmmaking, develop their own authentic voices, and chart their own career paths beyond legacy expectations.
- Mahadhan Bhupathiraju
- Son of Ravi Teja, Assistant Director on Spirit
- Rishie Manoj
- Son of Trivikram Srinivas, Assistant Director on Spirit
- Akira Nandan
- Son of Pawan Kalyan, pursuing music composition
- Karthik Yarlagadda
- Son of Shobu Yarlagadda, directed short film Writer's Block
- Jason Sanjay
- Son of Thalapathy Vijay, directorial debut in Tamil cinema
- Aryan Khan
- Son of Shah Rukh Khan, directorial venture The Bads of Bollywood