Karisma Kapoor, a celebrated actress of the 90s, recently addressed a long-standing myth about the Kapoor family. Contrary to popular belief, the Kapoor women were not barred from working in Bollywood. In a candid conversation on Zakir Khan’s show ‘Aapka Apna Zakir’, Karisma shared insights about her family’s history, debunking the rumor that the women were not allowed to act after marriage.
No Restrictions on Working Women in the Kapoor Family
Karisma Kapoor clarified that it was entirely the choice of her mother, Babita Kapoor, and her aunt, Neetu Kapoor, to step away from their acting careers. They chose to leave Bollywood to focus on their families, not because of any restrictions imposed by the Kapoor family. Karisma emphasized that this decision was personal and not a family mandate. She pointed out that other Kapoor women, such as Shammi Kapoor’s wife, Geeta Bali, and Shashi Kapoor’s wife, Jennifer Kendal, continued their acting careers even after marriage.
Personal Choices Over Family Rules
Karisma shared that the decision for her mother and aunt to leave the industry was their own. “When my mother got married and Neetu aunty got married, it was their choice to settle down, have children, and focus on their family life. It was entirely their decision,” she explained. She stressed that the Kapoor family never had a rule against women working after marriage. In fact, Geeta Bali and Jennifer Kendal had thriving careers post-marriage, demonstrating that the family supported their professional choices.
Legacy of Kapoor Women in Cinema
Geeta Bali, the wife of Shammi Kapoor, had a successful career spanning over two decades, appearing in more than 75 films, including classics like ‘Baazi’ (1951) and ‘Jaal’ (1952). Her work was well-regarded, and she continued to act even after marrying Shammi Kapoor, showing her commitment to her craft.
Jennifer Kendal, the wife of Shashi Kapoor, was a renowned actress and co-founder of Prithvi Theatre. She had a notable career, earning a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress for her role in ’36 Chowringhee Lane’ (1981). She also starred in several acclaimed films like ‘Bombay Talkie’ (1970) and ‘Ghare Baire’ (1984). Despite her marriage to Shashi Kapoor, Jennifer remained active in her career until her untimely death in 1984 from colon cancer.
Karisma’s Take on Breaking Stereotypes
Karisma Kapoor, herself a trailblazer, broke stereotypes by becoming one of the first Kapoor women of her generation to enter Bollywood. Her success paved the way for future Kapoor women to pursue careers in the entertainment industry without fear of family disapproval. Her recent statements reflect her desire to set the record straight and highlight that the Kapoor family has always supported their women in making their own choices, whether it be in acting or any other field.
Karisma’s revelations offer a fresh perspective on the Kapoor family’s legacy, showing a history of independence and support for their women’s choices, whether in career or personal life.
