In a resurfaced clip, Kareena Kapoor Khan reflects on the challenges her sister, Karisma Kapoor, faced during her early years in Bollywood, revealing the lack of support Karisma received from their father. The Kapoor family, while being one of the most influential dynasties in Bollywood, traditionally discouraged women from joining the film industry.
Karisma Kapoor broke this mold, becoming the first woman from the Kapoor family to venture into acting. Kareena recalled an interview on Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, where she described how Karisma had no family support except from their mother, Babita. "There was no one who really supported her in this decision. The only one who supported and inspired her was my mother," Kareena stated.
Kareena shared that she witnessed Karisma and Babita enduring immense hardship together. She recounted, "I've seen the two of them struggle from pillar to post. I've seen her sit up with my mother and cry, saying that she would never make it and people would pull her down". Growing up, Kareena witnessed Karisma's struggles and emotional pain, which deeply affected her. She expressed feeling hurt seeing her sister cry for nights, which motivated her to become stronger and face any challenges in the film industry.
Despite the initial resistance, Karisma Kapoor persevered and became one of the most celebrated actresses in the 1990s and early 2000s. Her performances in films like Raja Hindustani, Andaz Apna Apna, Dil To Pagal Hai, and Biwi No. 1 remain iconic. She won a National Award for Best Supporting Actress for Dil To Pagal Hai, solidifying her status as a talented performer.
Karisma's decision to enter Bollywood paved the way for other women in her family, including Kareena, to follow their dreams. Kareena debuted in Bollywood nearly a decade after Karisma, with the film Refugee in 2000. Both sisters have since established themselves as successful actresses, with Kareena becoming one of the highest-paid actresses in Bollywood.
Kareena has also spoken about facing her own struggles, including being compared to Karisma and being replaced for demanding equal pay. She acknowledged that people often viewed her as "Lolo's sister," which she was proud of, but she had to break that image to establish her own identity.
Karisma and Kareena share a close bond, supporting and inspiring each other throughout their careers. They often give each other advice and learn from each other's experiences. Karisma has expressed that Kareena is her inspiration and that their mother and grandmothers were strong women who were ahead of their time.
Karisma Kapoor's journey in Bollywood was groundbreaking, challenging stereotypes and making it easier for future generations of Kapoor women to pursue acting. Both sisters continue to inspire with their remarkable careers, demonstrating that talent and determination can overcome even the toughest challenges.
