Karisma Kapoor, a prominent figure in Bollywood's celebrated Kapoor family, carved her own path in the film industry, becoming the first woman from her family to actively pursue acting. While it's become a popular notion that Kapoor women were restricted from working in films, Karisma has consistently refuted this, asserting that women like her mother Babita Kapoor, and aunt Neetu Singh, made their own choices to step away from the limelight to focus on family life.
Karisma's journey began in 1991 with her debut film, Prem Qaidi. This marked a significant moment, as she navigated the expectations and pressures that came with her family name. In early interviews, she expressed a clear understanding of these dynamics and a determination to make her own mark. Karisma debunked the misconception that Kapoor women were not allowed to work, pointing out that her father, Randhir Kapoor, and uncles had married actresses. She emphasized that it was a matter of personal choice, not a family restriction.
Despite her family background, Karisma's entry into Bollywood wasn't without its challenges. Some reports suggest that her father initially disapproved of women working in films, believing it conflicted with traditional family responsibilities. This difference in opinion reportedly led to a separation between her parents in 1988, with Karisma and her sister Kareena being raised by their mother. However, Randhir Kapoor eventually supported Karisma's decision.
In a 1990 interview, before her debut, Karisma shared that her father encouraged her, advising her not to let the Kapoor name down. She also revealed that her grandfather, the legendary Raj Kapoor, knew of her acting aspirations and urged her to be the best if she chose that path. This support system played a crucial role in her early career.
Karisma's career took off with a string of successful films throughout the 90s, including Jigar, Anari, Raja Babu, and Coolie No. 1. While initially facing criticism for her roles, she evolved as an actress, earning critical acclaim for her performance in Raja Hindustani, which won her a Filmfare Award for Best Actress. She further proved her versatility with roles in Dil To Pagal Hai, winning a National Film Award and Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Karisma continued to deliver strong performances in films like Fiza and Zubeidaa, securing her position as one of the leading actresses of her time. After taking a sabbatical in 2004, she has since appeared sporadically in films and web series, including Mentalhood and Murder Mubarak.
Beyond her career, Karisma's personal life has also been subject to public attention. Her marriage to industrialist Sunjay Kapur in 2003 ended in a contentious divorce in 2016. Veteran actor Randhir Kapoor openly criticized Sunjay, stating that he never approved of the marriage and emphasizing that the Kapoor family didn't need his wealth.
Despite the ups and downs, Karisma Kapoor remains a significant figure in Bollywood, known for her talent, resilience, and contribution to the industry. She paved the way for future generations of Kapoor women, including her sister Kareena, to pursue their dreams in the film industry.
