Kareena Kapoor reveals the past restrictions that kept Kapoor women away from Bollywood; says, “It was difficult during Karisma’s time because she was one of the first Kapoor girls”

Kareena Kapoor Khan discusses why previous generations of Kapoor women didn't work in Bollywood.

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

September 12, 2023 - 11:31 AM IST

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan hails from the Kapoor family. Her familial lineage boasts illustrious figures such as her grandfather Raj Kapoor and her great-grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor. However, a longstanding, unwritten tradition within the Kapoor clan dictated that women did not pursue careers in the film industry. This convention persisted over generations, as none of Kareena's aunts, whether born into the Kapoor family or married into it, ventured into acting. Even those who had established careers, such as her mother Babita and aunt Neetu Kapoor, relinquished their film careers upon marriage. Remarkably, it was Kareena's sister, Karisma Kapoor, who defied this tradition.

Kareena Kapoor reveals the past restrictions that kept Kapoor women away from Bollywood; says, “It was difficult during Karisma’s time because she was one of the first Kapoor girls”

During The Indian Express’ Express Adda event in Mumbai, Kareena Kapoor Khan acknowledged that the credit for breaking this long-held tradition within the Kapoor family belonged to her father, Randhir Kapoor. She expressed her admiration, stating, “I think my father has been one of the coolest fathers ever.”

Delving into the historical context, Kareena shed light on the prevailing norms of the 1970s, explaining why Kapoor women refrained from acting in films during that era. She emphasized that times had evolved, and her father's willingness to adapt to changing circumstances was pivotal. She articulated, “Back in the 1970s and stuff, it was different because times were different. That when they got married they never really worked, but I’m glad that my father moved with the times because that’s what it is about. You have to keep changing yourself for your children. That’s also important, and not live in archaic times,” underscoring the importance of evolving with the times.

Recalling Karisma Kapoor's pioneering journey into acting, Kareena lauded her sister's courage to break the mold. She acknowledged the challenges Karisma faced as one of the first Kapoor women to embark on an acting career but emphasized her father's steadfast support. Kareena summed up her father's enduring influence by saying, “It was difficult during Karisma’s time because she was one of the first Kapoor girls but… not to ever say that my father didn’t support her and not to ever say… Even now, if he calls me and he knows I’m shooting, he will be apologetic that ‘oh no, okay, focus on your work’. He’s extremely cosmopolitan, extremely open-minded, he’s always just been so nice about everything.”

Meanwhile, on the film front, Kareena will be soon seen in Sujoy Ghosh, Jaane Jaan which is a Hindi adaptation of Japanese author Higashino Keigo's bestselling novel, ‘The Devotion of Suspect X,’ published in 2005. This thriller is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on September 21. She is also set to share the screen with Tabu and Kriti Sanon in The Crew, a film that is reportedly scheduled for release in March 2024.

Also Read: Adorable BTS glimpses of Kareena Kapoor Khan and Jeh from Jaane Jaan sets surface online