About:
Kareena Kapoor Khan, born on September 21, 1980, is a prominent Indian actress known for her diverse roles in Hindi cinema since 2000. She is among the highest-paid actresses in India and has received six Filmfare Awards. Born into the renowned Kapoor family, she is the daughter of actors Babita and Randhir Kapoor and the younger sister of actress Karisma Kapoor.
Kapoor made her acting debut in the 2000 film “Refugee” and gained prominence with roles in “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…” (2001). Despite a series of commercial failures and criticism for repetitive roles, her career took a turn with her portrayal of a sex worker in “Chameli” (2004). She received critical acclaim for her performances in “Dev” (2004) and “Omkara” (2006), and her role in “Jab We Met” (2007) earned her a Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
Kapoor’s notable films include “Kurbaan” (2009), “Talaash” (2012), “Heroine” (2012), “Udta Punjab” (2016), and “Laal Singh Chaddha” (2022). She has also starred in high-grossing films like “3 Idiots” (2009), “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” (2015), “Bodyguard” (2011), “Singham Returns” (2014), “Golmaal 3” (2010), and “Good Newwz” (2019). Kapoor has also appeared in female-led comedies like “Veere Di Wedding” (2018) and “Crew” (2024).
Off-screen, Kapoor is known for her outspoken nature and fashion sense. She is married to actor Saif Ali Khan, with whom she has two sons. She participates in stage shows, hosts a radio show, and has co-written two autobiographical memoirs and two nutrition guides. Kapoor has her own line of clothing and cosmetics and has been working with UNICEF since 2014 to advocate for girls’ education in India.
Early Life
Kareena Kapoor was born in Mumbai and is often referred to as “Bebo.” She is the granddaughter of actor and filmmaker Raj Kapoor and actor Hari Shivdasani. Despite her family’s strong ties to the film industry, her father initially disapproved of women acting, leading to a temporary separation from her mother, who raised Kapoor and her sister Karisma independently. Kapoor attended Jamnabai Narsee School in Mumbai and Welham Girls’ School in Dehradun, followed by a brief stint at Harvard Summer School and the Government Law College in Mumbai. She later trained at an acting institute in Mumbai.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough (2000–2003)
Kapoor’s initial roles included the films “Refugee” (2000) and “Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai” (2001). Her breakthrough came with “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…” (2001), which established her as a leading actress. However, she faced setbacks with a series of unsuccessful films between 2002 and 2003.
Career Expansion (2004–2006)
In 2004, Kapoor took on more challenging roles, including a sex worker in “Chameli” and a riot victim in “Dev.” Her role in “Omkara” (2006), an adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Othello,” earned her critical acclaim and several awards.
Established Actress (2007–2011)
Kapoor’s performance in “Jab We Met” (2007) was a turning point, earning her several awards. She then appeared in successful films like “Golmaal Returns” (2008), “Kurbaan” (2009), and “3 Idiots” (2009), the latter becoming the highest-grossing Bollywood film at the time. She also received praise for her roles in “We Are Family” (2010) and “Golmaal 3” (2010).
Overall, Kareena Kapoor Khan’s career is marked by her versatility and ability to reinvent herself, securing her place as a leading actress in the Indian film industry.