Karisma Kapoor is undeniably a Bollywood icon. Debuting in the 1991 film Prem Qaidi, she quickly became a sensation, and it’s hard to find a cinephile who wasn’t a fan of hers. Karisma’s career is one that many actresses aspire to emulate.
What makes her journey even more iconic is that she was the first woman from the Kapoor family to enter showbiz at a time when women from the clan were not seen on the big screen. In a recent conversation with The Week, Kareena Kapoor Khan revealed that her sister Karisma blazed a trail for their family during challenging times.
For context, there was a period when Kapoor family women did not work in showbiz, and those who married into the family stopped working. In her interview, Kareena shared that the early years of Karisma’s career were tough because their mother Babita Kapoor and aunt Neetu Kapoor had stopped working, making Karisma a revolutionary figure in their family.
Kareena Kapoor lauds sister Karisma Kapoor
Kareena highlighted Karisma’s significant role, saying, “Karisma Kapoor resurrected a home. My grandfather had passed away, my father had made one film, Henna. Of course, Chintu uncle was this illustrious superstar actor, but apart from that, no one was working at that time. So Karisma was actually the first female Kapoor who became this big sensation and star.”
The 2000 debutant further acknowledged that Karisma paved the way for her own career, stating, “Karisma walked so that I could run.” By the time Kareena debuted, everyone eagerly anticipated the arrival of Karisma’s sister.
In the same interview, Kareena revealed that the family had become more accepting, especially their extremely supportive mother. However, their father, Randhir Kapoor, told Karisma she had to succeed on her own. “I am not going to help you in any which way,” he said, according to Kareena.
Karisma Kapoor’s journey is not just a tale of personal success but a story of breaking barriers and setting new standards for future generations in the Kapoor family and beyond.