“Kareena Kapoor : Renowned Bollywood icon, Versatile journey—celebrated for style, acclaimed performances and timeless contributions to cinema.”
Born Name : Kareena Kapoor
Born : 21 September 1980 (age 43)
Place : Bombay, Maharashtra, India
Occupation : Actress
Years active : 2000– Present
Spouse :
Saif Ali Khan ( M. 2012)
Children : 02
Parents :
Father : Randhir Kapoor
Mother : Babita Kapoor
Relatives :
By Birth : Kapoor family
By Marriage : Pataudi family
About
Born on September 21, 1980, Kareena Kapoor Khan is a highly acclaimed Indian actress known for her versatile roles in Hindi films. The daughter of legendary actors Randhir Kapoor and Babita, and sister to actress Karisma Kapoor, Kareena has made a significant impact on Bollywood.
Her journey in the film industry began in 2000 with the debut film “Refugee,” followed by roles in dramas like “Aśoka” and “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…” (both 2001). Despite facing initial commercial challenges, Kareena’s career took a turning point with her against-type performance as a sex worker in “Chameli.” She received critical acclaim for her roles in “Dev” (2004) and “Omkara” (2006), showcasing her acting prowess.
Kareena’s filmography includes successful romantic comedies like “Jab We Met” (2007) and “Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu” (2012), as well as engaging dramas such as “Kurbaan” (2009), “Talaash: The Answer Lies Within” (2012), and “Laal Singh Chaddha” (2022). Her box office hits include “3 Idiots” (2009), “Bodyguard” (2011), and “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” (2015).
Beyond her on-screen success, Kareena is known for her outspoken and assertive personality, remarkable fashion sense, and active involvement in various ventures. Married to actor Saif Ali Khan, she is a mother of two and has been actively supporting the education of girls through her association with UNICEF since 2014.
In addition to her acting career, Kareena has ventured into writing, co-authoring two autobiographical memoirs and contributing to two books on nutrition. She has also established her own line of clothing and cosmetics for women, further solidifying her influence and presence in the entertainment industry.
Early life
Born on September 21, 1980, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Kareena Kapoor—often fondly called ‘Bebo’—is the younger daughter of Randhir Kapoor and Babita. Her elder sister, Karisma, is also an actress. Hailing from a celebrated film lineage, she’s the paternal granddaughter of the iconic Raj Kapoor, the maternal granddaughter of actor Hari Shivdasani, and the great-granddaughter of filmmaker Prithviraj Kapoor. Rishi Kapoor, the renowned actor, was her uncle, and her cousin is none other than the talented Ranbir Kapoor.
The name “Kareena” finds its roots in her mother’s reading of “Anna Karenina” during pregnancy. Embracing a rich heritage, Kareena has Punjabi Hindu roots from her father’s side and Sindhi Hindu and British descent from her mother’s side.
Despite her family’s film legacy, Kareena’s father initially disapproved of women entering the industry, leading to conflicts in her parents’ relationship. Raised primarily by her hardworking mother, who juggled multiple jobs until Karisma entered the film industry in 1991, Kareena acknowledges her father’s significant influence in her life.
Kareena’s journey into acting was sparked by her early exposure to films, inspired by the legendary actresses Nargis and Meena Kumari. Her educational path included Jamnabai Narsee School, Welham Girls’ School, Mithibai College for commerce, and briefly, Government Law College, Mumbai. Although she started a course in microcomputers at Harvard Summer School in the United States, her true passion led her to acting. Training at an institute in Mumbai under Kishore Namit Kapoor, a member of the Film and Television Institute of India, Kareena embarked on her remarkable journey in the world of cinema.
Life and Career
Career beginnings, breakthrough and setback (2000–2003)
During her training, Kareena Kapoor was initially cast in Rakesh Roshan’s “Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai” (2000) opposite Hrithik Roshan.
However, she left the project due to unequal prominence. Her debut came in J. P. Dutta’s “Refugee” later that year, earning her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
Kapoor’s career took a significant turn with Karan Johar’s “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…” (2001), where she portrayed the memorable character Poo. The film became a massive success, establishing Kapoor as a leading actress in Hindi cinema. Despite setbacks with subsequent films in 2002-2003, Kapoor viewed this period as a valuable learning experience.
Her early performances garnered praise, notably in “Refugee,” while her portrayal of Kaurwaki in “Aśoka” received international acclaim. The success of “Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai” and “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…” solidified her position in Bollywood. Despite a string of unsuccessful films in 2002-2003, Kapoor saw this phase as a constructive lesson, motivating her to work harder.
Professional expansion (2004–2006)
By 2004, Kareena Kapoor, initially motivated by financial reasons, aimed to diversify her roles. In Sudhir Mishra’s “Chameli,” she portrayed a golden-hearted prostitute, marking a departure from glamorous leads. The film was a turning point, earning her special recognition at the 49th Filmfare Awards.
In Mani Ratnam’s “Yuva,” Kapoor played a small yet impactful role, showcasing her ability to create an enigmatic character. She gained critical acclaim in Govind Nihalani’s “Dev,” contributing vocals to the soundtrack, earning a Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress.
Her portrayal as a villain in “Fida” (2004) marked a progression in her career. In “Aitraaz,” she played a supporting role, receiving praise for her courtroom sequence. “Hulchul” became her first commercial success in three years.
Kapoor’s 2005 releases, “Bewafaa,” “Kyon Ki,” and “Dosti: Friends Forever,” received mixed responses. In 2006, “36 China Town” succeeded commercially, while “Chup Chup Ke” performed moderately. Vishal Bhardwaj, impressed by her performance in “Yuva,” cast Kapoor in “Omkara” (2006). Her portrayal of Desdemona earned critical acclaim, marking her fourth Filmfare and first Screen Award. Kapoor considers Dolly in “Omkara” as one of her favorite roles, paralleling her evolving maturity as a woman.
Established actress (2007–2011)
In 2007, Kareena Kapoor starred in the romantic comedy “Jab We Met,” portraying Geet Dhillon, a vivacious Sikh girl. The film, directed by Imtiaz Ali, received critical acclaim, with Kapoor winning the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. During the film’s shooting, Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor ended their four-year relationship.
The following year, Kapoor appeared in “Tashan,” where she met her future husband, Saif Ali Khan. Despite high anticipation, the film underperformed. She lent her voice to an animated film, “Roadside Romeo,” and played a mistrustful wife in “Golmaal Returns,” which achieved financial success.
In 2009, Kapoor starred in “Kambakkht Ishq,” “Main Aurr Mrs Khanna,” and “Kurbaan.” While “Kambakkht Ishq” was commercially successful, “Kurbaan” earned Kapoor a Filmfare Best Actress nomination.
Her second Filmfare nomination in 2009 came for “3 Idiots,” a blockbuster that became the highest-grossing Bollywood film at that time. Kapoor’s performance as Pia earned her the IIFA Award for Best Actress.
The new decade began for Kapoor with “Milenge Milenge” (2010), poorly received for its outdated portrayal. She then played a supporting role in “We Are Family,” winning the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. Kapoor reunited with Rohit Shetty for “Golmaal 3,” a commercial success.
In 2011, Kapoor starred in the blockbuster “Bodyguard” and the sci-fi film “Ra.One,” both financially successful despite mixed critical reviews. These successes marked Kapoor’s continuous prominence in Bollywood.
Marriage, continued success and motherhood (2012–2017)
Following Bodyguard and Ra.One, Kareena Kapoor starred in Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012) opposite Imran Khan. The romantic comedy set in Las Vegas received positive reviews and grossed ₹530 million (US$6.6 million) globally. Kapoor then appeared in Agent Vinod, an espionage thriller, and Heroine, where she portrayed a fading movie star.
Despite mixed reviews for Heroine, Kapoor’s performance was praised, earning her accolades at various award ceremonies. In 2012, she married Saif Ali Khan, continuing to use her maiden name professionally.
Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012) marked her last release before a brief hiatus. In 2013, she featured in Prakash Jha’s Satyagraha and Gori Tere Pyaar Mein, reducing her workload to focus on family. Kapoor took on smaller roles in Singham Returns (2014) and Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), both commercially successful.
In 2016, she starred in Ki & Ka, a film addressing gender stereotypes. Despite divided critical opinions, it performed well at the box office. Kapoor’s portrayal in Udta Punjab (2016), a crime drama on substance abuse in Punjab, earned her acclaim and a Best Supporting Actress nomination. Her marriage to Saif Ali Khan and family became a significant aspect of her public image.
Veere Di Wedding and beyond (2018–present)
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s return to acting post the birth of her first child was marked by a strategic choice of roles that seamlessly balanced her professional and parental commitments.
Notably, her collaboration in the female-centric film “Veere Di Wedding” (2018) received acclaim for its refreshing portrayal of women, becoming one of the highest-grossing Hindi films led by women.
The comedy “Good Newwz” (2019), exploring in vitro fertilization, showcased Kapoor Khan’s captivating performance, earning her prestigious award nominations. In “Angrezi Medium” (2020), she took on a supporting role, demonstrating her versatility in character portrayal.
The year 2022 saw Kapoor Khan in “Laal Singh Chaddha,” an adaptation of Forrest Gump, where her portrayal of a troubled aspiring actress garnered praise despite the film’s box office challenges.
Undeterred, she embraced the thriller genre with projects like “Jaane Jaan” and “The Buckingham Murders” in 2023, marking a departure from her glamorous image.
Her diverse roles underline a commitment to artistic merit over stardom. The actress continues to broaden her horizons with upcoming projects, including the female-led comedy-drama “The Crew” and the Cop Universe sequel “Singham Again.”
Personal and Conjugal Life
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s personal life reflects a balance between her Bollywood stardom and familial commitments.
In 2012, she married actor Saif Ali Khan in a private ceremony, becoming one of India’s most-watched celebrity couples. Their family expanded with the birth of sons in 2016 and 2021. Despite adding Khan to her name post-marriage, Kapoor Khan maintained her commitment to practicing Hinduism.
Her marriage was dubbed India’s “wedding and social event of the year” by The Wall Street Journal. Amidst family priorities, Kapoor Khan returned to acting after the birth of her first child, strategically choosing projects that accommodated her parental responsibilities. Her conjugal life with Saif Ali Khan remains under the public eye, and the couple continues to be a prominent force in the Indian entertainment industry.
