Aamir Khan's "Nepo Kid" Junaid Rejects Rs 100 Crore Offer for Sitaare Zameen Par!

Mumbai, India: Junaid Khan, the son of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, is making headlines not just for his debut in Maharaj and the theatrical release of Loveyapa, but for a reported decision that has set the industry abuzz. Sources close to the actor indicate that Junaid has turned down a massive Rs 100 crore movie offer for his upcoming project, Sitaare Zameen Par. This move, combined with Aamir Khan's recent tongue-in-cheek "nepo kid" comment, is sparking conversations about Junaid's unique approach to his burgeoning career.

While the details of the Rs 100 crore offer remain under wraps, it's believed to be a lucrative deal for a major film that Junaid reportedly declined in favor of Sitaare Zameen Par. This choice underscores a potential strategic path for the young actor, seemingly prioritizing content and his father's vision over immediate financial gains or high-profile independent projects.

Aamir Khan's "Nepo Kid" Remark and the Reality of Junaid's Debut

The "nepo kid" label is often flung at star children making their Bollywood debut. However, Aamir Khan, known for his unconventional moves, recently addressed this with a characteristic twist. While promoting Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir reportedly quipped about Junaid being a "nepo kid," a comment that, coming from him, carries layers of irony and a subtle acknowledgment of the privilege, yet also the pressure, associated with his son's entry into the industry.

However, Junaid Khan's journey into acting has been far from the typical starry launch. Unlike many industry scions who jump straight into lead roles with massive fanfare, Junaid spent years honing his craft behind the scenes. He worked as an assistant director on the blockbuster PK (2014) and dedicated a significant amount of time to theatre. His stage work in productions like Mother Courage and Her Children, Medea, and Shikhandi allowed him to build a solid foundation in acting, away from the glare of the Bollywood spotlight.

His actual acting debut came with the historical drama Maharaj (2024), which premiered on an OTT platform. His first theatrical release was the romantic comedy Loveyapa (2025), where he starred opposite Khushi Kapoor. This gradual, deliberate approach to his acting career sets him apart, suggesting a focus on artistic growth rather than simply chasing immediate stardom.

Sitaare Zameen Par: The Chosen Path

Junaid's decision to prioritize Sitaare Zameen Par is particularly interesting. This film, a spiritual successor to Aamir Khan's much-loved Taare Zameen Par, is produced by Aamir Khan Productions. It is directed by R. S. Prasanna and stars Aamir Khan himself alongside Genelia Deshmukh. The film has already garnered positive reviews and achieved significant box office success, reportedly crossing ₹261 crore worldwide.

Aamir Khan has also made a groundbreaking announcement regarding Sitaare Zameen Par's release strategy. He confirmed that the film, after its theatrical run, will not go to traditional OTT platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. Instead, it will be available for audiences to watch on YouTube via a pay-per-view model for just Rs. 100 in India, starting August 1, 2025. This unconventional "Janta Ka Theatre" approach, aimed at making cinema more accessible and reviving theatre-going culture, might be a key reason behind Junaid's commitment to the project. It aligns with a vision for cinema that goes beyond conventional industry norms.

What Lies Ahead for Junaid Khan?

With Sitaare Zameen Par now released and its unique distribution model generating discussions, all eyes are on Junaid Khan's future projects. He is already slated to appear alongside Sai Pallavi in the film Ek Din, produced by his father, set to release on November 7, 2025.

Junaid's journey seems to be charting its own course, marked by a thoughtful approach to script selection and a clear preference for projects that resonate with his and his father's artistic sensibilities, even if it means turning down colossal offers. This calculated strategy suggests that Junaid Khan is determined to carve his own identity in Bollywood, rather than merely relying on his lineage.