Kareena Kapoor Khan on the Kapoor Legacy: “It Was Me and Karisma, Not Ranbir, Who Carried the Torch”
The Kapoor family is often described as Bollywood’s first family—a dynasty whose influence has shaped the very identity of Hindi cinema for generations. The iconic clan, from Prithviraj Kapoor to Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, and now Ranbir Kapoor, has produced some of the most celebrated actors in Indian film history. But in a refreshingly candid interview, Kareena Kapoor Khan has challenged the popular narrative, asserting that it was the Kapoor women—herself and her sister Karisma—who truly carried the family legacy into the modern era.
Breaking the Stereotype: The Kapoor Women Take Center Stage
In a conversation with Barkha Dutt for Mojo Story, Kareena Kapoor Khan reflected on her journey, her family, and the evolution of the Kapoor legacy. She spoke with conviction, “Everyone talks about how the Kapoor family is this male-dominated legacy, but actually, the torchbearers in recent times have been me and Karisma.” She pointed out that it was Karisma who broke the family mold, becoming the first Kapoor woman to step into the spotlight and achieve stardom in an industry that had long favored Kapoor men.
Karisma Kapoor’s debut in the early 1990s was a watershed moment—not just for the family but for the industry. Traditionally, Kapoor women were not encouraged to act in films. Yet, Karisma, with her talent and charisma, quickly became a leading actress, winning acclaim and commercial success. Kareena followed closely, debuting in the 2000 blockbuster “Refugee” and soon establishing herself as one of Bollywood’s most versatile and enduring stars.
“Before Ranbir entered the scene, it was Karisma and me carrying the Kapoor name in the industry,” Kareena said, adding that their success marked a significant shift in both family and film history.
A Legacy Reimagined
The Kapoor legacy, Kareena noted, is often imagined as a male lineage—a relay passed from father to son, uncle to nephew. Yet, the bold decision by Karisma and later Kareena to step into acting transformed the narrative. The sisters were not only celebrated for their performances but also for breaking age-old taboos and expectations.
“People forget that Karisma had to fight a lot of prejudice to become the first Kapoor woman on screen. I followed her example. For years, we were the face of the family in Bollywood, while Ranbir was still a student,” Kareena explained. She emphasized that their success was not just a personal achievement but a triumph for all women who aspire to follow their dreams despite societal resistance.
Kareena’s Take on Ranbir Kapoor’s Stardom
While acknowledging Ranbir Kapoor’s immense talent and success, Kareena made it clear that her and Karisma’s contributions to the family name often go unrecognized. “Ranbir is a fantastic actor, and he’s done the family proud. But when people talk about carrying the Kapoor legacy forward, it should be recognized that the women—Karisma and I—were there first in this generation.”
Ranbir Kapoor, who debuted in 2007 with “Saawariya,” has since become one of Bollywood’s most bankable and critically acclaimed actors. However, as Kareena points out, the Kapoor sisters were already established stars by the time Ranbir entered the industry.
The Role of Family: Randhir and Babita Kapoor’s Journey
In the same interview, Kareena delved into her parents’ unique relationship. Randhir Kapoor and Babita Kapoor separated in 1988, but never divorced. Instead, they chose to focus on raising their daughters together, providing both love and stability. “My mother was our backbone—she was both mother and father to us,” Kareena recalled, expressing deep gratitude for her mother’s sacrifices and guidance.
Interestingly, Kareena revealed that her parents have chosen to spend their old age together, “holding hands” after years of separation. She described this reunion as a “divine intervention,” a testament to the power of love, forgiveness, and family ties that run deep.
Women Redefining Bollywood Legacies
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s statements resonate far beyond her own family. They reflect a larger change in Bollywood, where women are increasingly recognized as leaders, innovators, and icons in their own right. The journey of the Kapoor sisters paved the way for other star daughters and granddaughters to enter films—think of Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, and Sara Ali Khan—without the stigma or hesitation of earlier generations.
Through sheer determination, talent, and resilience, Kareena and Karisma changed what it meant to be a Kapoor in Bollywood. They challenged conventions and earned their place in the history of Indian cinema—not as exceptions, but as standard-bearers.
A New Definition of Legacy
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s assertion is more than just a personal statement—it is a call to reevaluate the stories we tell about family, legacy, and gender in Indian society. The Kapoor legacy, she insists, is as much about strong, pioneering women as it is about legendary men.
As Bollywood evolves, so does the idea of what it means to carry a legacy. Today, the Kapoor name shines brighter than ever—not just because of its illustrious past, but because of the bold women who refused to let tradition define their destiny.
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