When Dhadak released in 2018, it wasn’t just a film—it was a launchpad for two star kids: Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor which said a lot about Dhadak being a product of nepotism. Now, a sequel is on the cards. But Dhadak 2, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tripti Dimri, has already drawn scrutiny—not for its plot, but for who’s in it and how they got there.
Announced just hours ago, Dhadak 2 is produced by Karan Johar, whose legacy in shaping careers—often accused of favouring industry insiders—is well known. This time, Siddhant Chaturvedi headlines the film, despite coming off a cold box-office run with Yudhra (2024), which failed to make a mark critically or commercially.
Siddhant, once hailed for his breakthrough in Zoya Akhtar’s Gully Boy, has not quite delivered on that early promise. While he’s dabbled in OTT (Kho Gaye Hum Kahan) and film, his performances have often been overshadowed by co-stars or carried more by appearance than depth of craft. Critics argue his career has been built on a string of “favourable coincidences,” thanks to his connections with filmmakers like Zoya Akhtar and now, Karan Johar.
What fuels this backlash further is the rising star power of Tripti Dimri. Having delivered impactful roles in Bulbbul, Qala, and most recently, the blockbuster Animal alongside Ranbir Kapoor, Tripti’s presence in Dhadak 2 is seen as the film’s main selling point. Her upcoming project Spirit, where she replaces Deepika Padukone, only adds to her credibility. Many believe Dhadak 2 is riding on her momentum, not Siddhant’s.
Financial numbers also speak volumes. Tripti’s net worth is reportedly in the ₹20–30 crore range, while Siddhant’s lies between ₹10–15 crore—despite his having done more projects across platforms. This disparity hints at a difference in impact, reach, and demand.
Industry murmurs suggest that Siddhant hasn't auditioned for most of his roles, instead benefiting from professional networks and relationships. With Zoya Akhtar and Karan Johar having previously collaborated on Lust Stories and The Archies, critics argue this casting was less about acting merit and more about maintaining industry ties.
So is Dhadak 2 truly a sequel the audience needs—or simply a strategic vehicle to resurrect a fading star? The announcement has sparked a debate about whether the film’s buzz is earned or engineered. And while Bollywood continues to grapple with the nepotism narrative, projects like these only deepen the cracks.