Kareena Kapoor Says NOT Ranbir Kapoor But She, Karisma Kapoor 'Carried On The Kapoor Legacy'

News18

01-07-2025

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Kareena added that her mother calls the sisters 'tigers' for forging their paths in Bollywood.
The Kapoor family has long been synonymous with Bollywood royalty, with several generations shaping the landscape of Indian cinema. Among the trailblazers from the newer generation were sisters Karisma and Kareena Kapoor, who carried the Kapoor legacy forward well before their superstar cousin Ranbir Kapoor made his debut. In a recent chat with Mojo Story, Kareena Kapoor echoed similar sentiments.
While speaking about Karisma Kapoor breaking stereotypes by becoming the first Kapoor woman to start a career in films, Kareena said, 'I think we've carried on the Kapoor legacy. It was only me and Karishma before Ranbir came in. So the two girls, actually like my mother says, they're not tigresses, they are tigers because they did take the legacy forward."
Karisma Kapoor, the elder of the two sisters, broke ground in the early 1990s as the first woman from the illustrious Kapoor family to step into the world of acting. Traditionally, Kapoor women were discouraged from joining films, making Karisma's entry both bold and pioneering.
She debuted in 1991 with Prem Qaidi, and while the film had a modest box office performance, it marked the beginning of a stellar career. Over the next decade, Karisma delivered several blockbusters, including Raja Hindustani (1996), Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), and Fiza (2000). Known for her expressive acting, glamorous screen presence, and dancing prowess, Karisma became one of the top actresses of her time, cementing her place in Bollywood history.
Kareena Kapoor followed in her sister's footsteps but carved out her own unique path. She made her debut in 2000 with Refugee, a film that showcased her acting depth even as a newcomer. Unlike Karisma, who leaned more toward commercial cinema, Kareena seamlessly balanced mainstream and offbeat roles. Her performances in Chameli (2004) and Jab We Met (2007) highlighted her versatility. With a career spanning over two decades, Kareena has become one of the most enduring and bankable stars in the industry.
While Karisma and Kareena established themselves as leading ladies, it was Ranbir Kapoor—son of Rishi Kapoor—who brought the male Kapoor lineage back into the limelight with his acting debut in Saawariya (2007). Though the film didn't fare well commercially, Ranbir's performance was widely praised. Over time, he proved his mettle with acclaimed films like Rockstar (2011), Barfi! (2012), and Sanju (2018).
Together, Karisma, Kareena, and Ranbir Kapoor have not only honoured the Kapoor name but have also reinvented it for modern audiences, continuing a cinematic dynasty that remains unparalleled in Indian cinema.
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