Kareena Kapoor Family Tree

Kareena Kapoor - A Lifestory

lifestory

Kareena Kapoor Khan, born on September 21, 1980, into the prestigious Kapoor family, began her acting career with Refugee in 2000 and quickly gained fame with notable films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Jab We Met, and 3 Idiots, earning several Filmfare Awards along the way. She has become a fashion icon and a voice for women's empowerment, advocating for body positivity after publicly embracing her post-pregnancy weight gain. Kareena's iconic role as Geet in Jab We Met marked a significant turning point in her career, while her passion for dance shines through in her performances. Married to actor Saif Ali Khan since 2012, they have two sons, Taimur and Jehangir. Throughout her career, Kareena has balanced her professional and personal life, becoming a prominent figure in pop culture while drawing inspiration from her family's legacy in the film industry.


Birth

Kareena Kapoor Khan, born on September 21, 1980, in Bombay (now Mumbai), is the younger daughter of actor Randhir Kapoor and actress Babita Kapoor.

Family Facts

  • Parents:
    Randhir Kapoor (Father)
    Babita Kapoor (Mother)
  • Siblings:    
    Karisma Kapoor
  • Spouse:
    Saif Ali Khan
  • Children:
    Taimur Ali Khan 
    Jehangir Ali Khan
  • Relatives:
    Raj Kapoor (Uncle)    
    Shashi Kapoor (Uncle)    
    Rishi Kapoor (Uncle)
    Neetu Kapoor (Aunt)
    Kapoor family

Education

She attended Jamnabai Narsee School and Welham Girls' School, where she did well academically except in math. 

 

She studied commerce at Mithibai College for two years, then briefly pursued law before focusing on acting.

 

Early Film Career

  • While training at the institute, Kapoor was cast as the lead in Rakesh Roshan's “Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai” (2000) opposite Hrithik Roshan but left the production due to a lack of prominence in the film.
  • She made her film debut later that year in J. P. Dutta's “Refugee,” portraying Naaz, a Bangladeshi girl in love with Abhishek Bachchan's character.
  • Dutta selected her for her youthful and innocent demeanor, which she found valuable learning experience.
  • “Refugee” was a moderate box-office success, earning Kapoor the Filmfare Award for “Best Female Debut.”
  • Kapoor starred opposite Tusshar Kapoor in the hit film “Mujhe Kucch Kehna” Hai (2001), which garnered positive attention for her performance.
  • She appeared in Subhash Ghai's" Yaadein," which was a commercial failure, followed by the moderately successful thriller Ajnabee.
  • Later in 2001, she starred in Santosh Sivan's period epic “Aśoka,” playing Kaurwaki, the love interest of Shah Rukh Khan's character. Aśoka was screened at the Venice and Toronto International Film Festivals, receiving positive reviews internationally but failing at the Indian box office.
  • Kapoor received a “Best Actress” nomination at the 47th Filmfare Awards for her role in Aśoka, which was nominated for five awards overall.

Breakthrough Role and Challenges

  • Kapoor's breakthrough came when Karan Johar cast her as Pooja ("Poo") in the 2001 melodrama “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…”
  • Filming the big-budget movie with an ensemble cast was a new and exciting experience for her, which she described as a dream come true.
  • “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...” became immensely popular, finishing as India's second highest-grossing film of the year and her highest-grossing film to date. The film achieved significant success overseas, earning over ₹1 billion (US$12 million) worldwide.
  • Taran Adarsh highlighted Kapoor as "one of the main highlights of the film," and she received her second Filmfare nomination for “Best Supporting Actress.”
  • Box Office India reported that the success of “Mujhe Kucch Kehna “Hai” and ”Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..." established Kapoor as a leading actress in Hindi cinema.
  • Between 2002 and 2003, Kapoor faced a setback as all six of her films—"Mujhse Dosti Karoge!," “Jeena Sirf Merre Liye,” “Talaash: The Hunt Begins...,” “Khushi,” “Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon,” and “LOC Kargil”—were both critically and commercially unsuccessful.
  • Despite the challenges during this period, Kapoor later viewed it positively, recognizing it as a valuable lesson that motivated her to work harder.

Rise of a Versatile Actress

  • By 2004, Kapoor sought to broaden her acting range and accept more challenging roles beyond glamorous leads.
  • She starred in “Chameli” as a golden-hearted prostitute, initially hesitant to take the role but later committed to it after researching sex workers' mannerisms.
  • While The Times of India praised her performance, Rediff.com criticized it as unconvincing and stereotypical.
  • “Chameli” was a significant turning point in her career, earning her special jury recognition at the 49th Filmfare Awards.
  • In “Yuva,” directed by Mani Ratnam, Kapoor played Vivek Oberoi's romantic interest, valuing the opportunity to work with the acclaimed director. Critics acknowledged her ability to create an enigmatic character despite her limited screen time in Yuva.
  • In “Dev,” she portrayed a Muslim victim of the 2002 Hindu-Muslim riots, earning critical acclaim and a Filmfare Critics Award for “Best Actress” for her sensitive portrayal.
  • Kapoor made her villain debut in “Fida” (2004), showcasing a new role for her.
  • In “Aitraaz,” she played Akshay Kumar's wife, resonating with Indian women, despite a small role.
  • “Hulchul” (2004) marked her first commercial success in three years.
  • “Bewafaa” (2005) was poorly received, portraying a character older than her age.
  • She starred in “36 China Town (2006),” a commercial success, and “Chup Chup Ke,” which did moderately well.
  • In “Omkara,” an adaptation of Othello, she portrayed Desdemona, finding the role challenging.
  • The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and earned her a fourth Filmfare Award and first Screen Award.
  • Kapoor considers “Omkara” one of her favorite roles, reflecting her maturity.

Celebrated Roles and Box Office Triumphs

  • “Jab We Met” (2007): Played Geet Dhillon, a lively Sikh girl; received critical acclaim and won the Filmfare Award for “Best Actress.”
  • “Tashan” (2008): Met future husband Saif Ali Khan; the film underperformed at the box office.
  • “Golmaal Returns” (2008): Played a mistrustful wife; the film was a financial success despite mixed reviews.
  • “Kambakkht Ishq” (2009): Starred as a surgeon in the first Indian film shot at Universal Studios; it was poorly received but financially successful.
  • “Kurbaan” (2009): Portrayed a woman discovering her husband's terrorist connections; received critical praise and her fourth Filmfare Best Actress nomination.
  • “3 Idiots” (2009): Pia, a medical student and Aamir Khan's love interest; the film became the highest-grossing Bollywood film at the time, earning ₹2.03 billion in India. Kapoor received her second Filmfare nomination and won the IIFA Award for “Best Actress.”
  • “Milenge Milenge” (2010): Starred in a poorly received romantic comedy; critics deemed it outdated.
  • “We Are Family” (2010): Took a supporting role in this adaptation of Stepmom, earning praise for her performance and winning “Best Supporting Actress” at the 56th Filmfare Awards.
  • “Golmaal 3” (2010): Reunited with director Rohit Shetty; the film was a commercial success, grossing over ₹1 billion, and she received multiple Best Actress nominations.
  • “Bodyguard” (2011): Starred alongside Salman Khan; although criticized for her role, it was a major box-office hit, grossing ₹1.4 billion, making it the highest-earning film of the year in India.
  • “Ra.One” (2011): Appeared in this sci-fi film with Shah Rukh Khan; despite mixed reviews, it grossed over ₹2.4 billion worldwide, marking Kapoor's fourth consecutive commercial success.

Exploring New Narratives in Bollywood

  • After her success in “Bodyguard” and “Ra.One,” Kapoor starred in “Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu” (2012) opposite Imran Khan, a romantic comedy set in Las Vegas about two strangers who drunkenly marry. She played Riana Braganza, a carefree character that resonated with her.
  • The film received positive reviews and grossed ₹530 million (US$6.4 million) in India and abroad, with The Hollywood Reporter noting her "endearingly natural" performance.
  • Kapoor then appeared in “Agent Vinod,” an espionage thriller that was met with a lukewarm response, with some critics feeling she was miscast.
  • In her next film, “Heroine,” directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, she played a fading movie star. Initially hesitant, Kapoor took on the role after Bhandarkar expressed confidence in her abilities.
  • Kapoor received the Editor's Choice for “Best Actress” at the Stardust Awards and earned nominations at Filmfare, IIFA, Producers Guild, Screen, and Stardust Awards.
  • “Talaash: The Answer Lies Within” (2012) marked her role as Rosie, a prostitute, earning her acclaim for bringing emotional depth to the character, with the film grossing ₹1.74 billion (US$21 million).
  • In “Satyagraha” (2013), she co-starred with Ajay Devgn, but the film received negative reviews and underperformed at the box office, earning ₹675 million (US$8.1 million).
  • She returned to the big screen with a supporting role in “Singham Returns” (2014), where she acted alongside Ajay Devgn; however, she faced criticism for her minimal character's significance despite the film's commercial success.
  • In “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” (2015), she starred opposite Salman Khan, contributing to the film becoming India's highest-earning film of the year, grossing ₹3.20 billion (US$38 million) and winning the National Film Award for “Best Popular Film.”
  • Kapoor Khan took on a lead role in “Ki & Ka” (2016), a film addressing gender stereotypes, which received mixed reviews but emerged as a financial success, grossing over ₹1 billion (US$12 million).
    • In “Udta Punjab” (2016), she portrayed a significant character dealing with substance abuse, initially hesitant due to the length of her role; however, she eventually received critical acclaim for her performance, earning nominations for “Best Supporting Actress” at both the Filmfare and Zee Cine awards.

Marriage

Kareena Kapoor Khan married Saif Ali Khan on October 16, 2012. The wedding took place in a private ceremony in Bandra, Mumbai. Despite marrying a Muslim (Saif Ali Khan), Kareena Kapoor Khan stated that she would continue to practice Hinduism after marriage, indicating her commitment to her beliefs. 

 

The couple welcomed their first son, Taimur Ali Khan, on December 20, 2016, and their second son, Jehangir Ali Khan, was born on February 21, 2021.

Major Hits and Future Ventures

  • Return to Acting: After her first child's birth, Kapoor Khan was encouraged by her husband, Saif Ali Khan, to resume acting.
  • “Veere Di Wedding” (2018): She starred in this successful female buddy film, grossing over ₹1.38 billion (US$17 million).
  • “Good Newwz” (2019): In this comedy about in vitro fertilization, she reunited with Akshay Kumar, and the film earned over ₹3 billion (US$36 million).
  • “Angrezi Medium” (2020): She played a supporting role in this sequel, which was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • “Laal Singh Chaddha” (2022): Kapoor Khan starred as Rupa in this adaptation of Forrest Gump, which faced a boycott but received praise for her performance.
  • She signed on for two thrillers, “Jaane Jaan” and “The Buckingham Murders,” marking a shift towards more artistic roles.
  • “Crew” (2024): Kapoor Khan will feature in this female-led heist comedy, adding to her successful portfolio.
  • She reunited with Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty in “Singham Again” in 2024.

Anecdotes

  • She entered the world of Bollywood with a bang, making her debut in 2000 with the film "Refugee." The film was a success, and Kareena Kapoor Khan quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with.
  • Her performance in "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" (2001) solidified her position as a leading actress, and she went on to star in a string of successful films, including "Aitraaz" (2004), "Omkara" (2006), and "Jab We Met" (2007).
  • One anecdote that highlights her dedication to her craft is her preparation for the role of a call girl in "Chameli" (2004). She spent weeks observing real-life call girls, immersing herself in their world to understand their motivations and struggles. This dedication paid off, as her performance was widely praised and earned her critical acclaim.
  • Another interesting anecdote is her decision to take a break from acting in 2012 to focus on her personal life.
  • She married Saif Ali Khan on 16 October 2012, and the couple welcomed their first son, Taimur Ali Khan, on 20 December 2016.
  • She returned to acting in 2016 with the film "Udta Punjab," proving that she was still a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

Fashion and Beauty Ventures

  • Kareena Kapoor Khan established her career as a designer during her five-year collaboration with Globus, becoming the first Indian actress to launch her own women's clothing line.
  • She described her clothing collection as "special" and reflective of her style, which was well-received upon its debut in stores across India.
  • After ending her contract with Globus, Kareena expressed a desire to work with a design house for international releases, although she later mentioned that those plans were on hold.
  • In August 2018, she collaborated with Lakmé Cosmetics to launch her line of cosmetics.

The Evolution: Author and Wellness Advocate

  1. In 2009, Kapoor Khan co-authored Don't Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight with nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, which sold 10,000 copies within its first twenty days.
  2. She released a follow-up book titled Women and The Weight Loss Tamasha in 2011, addressing women's weight loss and eating habits.
  3. In 2013, she published her autobiographical memoir, The Style Diary of a Bollywood Diva, which received mixed reviews for its writing style.
  4. Later that year, she collaborated with Diwekar on The Indian Food Wisdom and The Art of Eating Right, a documentary film focused on nutrition.
  5. In 2021, Kapoor Khan co-authored Pregnancy Bible with Aditi Shah Bhimjani, which became a commercial success.

Championing Philanthropy for Education and Women’s

  • Kareena Kapoor Khan promotes children's education and women's safety throughout her film career.
  • In 2010, she joined the 1GOAL Education for All campaign and became the ambassador for the Shakti Campaign against violence toward women.
  • She launched the anti-rape mobile app VithU in 2012 to raise awareness about women's safety.
  • In 2014, Kapoor Khan began collaborating with UNICEF to advocate for girls' education and improve educational quality in India.
  • She has visited schools, hosted charity events, and launched the 'Child-Friendly School and Systems' (CFSS) package.
  • In May 2024, she was appointed national UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for India.
  • In 2015, she honored 31 students and 5 teachers in Chhattisgarh for their contributions to education during the Child Rights Protection Week.
  • That year, she provided a voice-over for the documentary Girl Rising: Woh Padhegi, Woh Udegi and produced a documentary focused on women's empowerment.
  • In June 2016, Kapoor Khan spoke at a UNICEF event in Lucknow to promote menstrual hygiene management.
  • In 2018, she launched UNICEF's "Every Child Alive" campaign to advocate for affordable and quality healthcare for mothers and newborns.
  • She served as a keynote speaker at a Mother's Day event organized by UNICEF in May 2018.
  • Kapoor Khan has supported various charitable organizations, including performing at fundraisers for the World Youth Peace Summit and victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
  • She adopted the village of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh in 2010 to provide a regular electricity supply as part of NDTV's Greenathon Campaign.
  • In 2014, she participated in a campaign to raise awareness about hunger and malnutrition and donated to the Kashmir flood relief efforts.
  • In September 2016, she attended the inaugural Global Citizen India event.
  • The following year, she became the brand ambassador for the Swasth Immunised India campaign to promote child immunization.

The Queen of Concerts and Shows

  • Since 2002, Kapoor Khan has participated in several stage shows and world tours, starting with her first tour, Heartthrobs: Live in Concert, alongside Hrithik Roshan, Karisma Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, and Aftab Shivdasani, which was successful in the US and Canada.
  • In December 2002, she performed at the Now or Never concert in Kings Park Stadium, Durban, South Africa, with other Bollywood stars.
  • In 2006, she joined the Rockstars Concert world tour with six other celebrities, performing in 19 cities across the UK, US, and Canada.
  • Kapoor Khan participated in Shah Rukh Khan's Temptation Reloaded 2008, performing in concerts across multiple countries, including a show for 15,000 people in Dubai's Festival City Arena.
  • In 2018, she collaborated with Ishq FM to host the radio show What Women Want, which received positive reviews and earned her a nomination for "Best Talk Show Host" at the New York Festivals Radio Awards, leading to the show's renewal for three more seasons.
  • In 2019, she served as a talent judge for the seventh season of the dance reality show Dance India Dance.

Journey in Film and Fame

  • Kapoor is known for her candidness in discussing her private life, having grown up in a film family that shaped her professionalism and dedication.
  • Her relationship with actor Saif Ali Khan, dubbed "Saifeena," has been a significant topic in Indian media since 2007, and they welcomed two sons in 2016 and 2021.
  • While some media portray her as friendly and close to her family, others criticize her for perceived arrogance, a reputation stemming from her role as Poo in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001).
  • Kapoor's role in Chameli (2004) helped her reinvent her image, where she aimed to be more screen-friendly than image-friendly, although her honesty was sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance.
  • Kapoor is recognized for her assertive nature, independence, and outspoken views, which have significantly contributed to her career despite occasionally costing her projects.
  • She is regarded as one of Bollywood's most popular celebrities and a style icon for young women in India.
  • Kapoor has been featured in various prestigious lists, including being named "India's Most Beautiful Woman" by People magazine in 2010 and being included in India Today's list of influential women in 2013.
  • In 2024, PVR INOX launched the "Kareena Kapoor Khan Film Festival" to celebrate her 25 years in Hindi cinema, marking the first film festival dedicated to an Indian actress.
  • She has appeared on Forbes India's "Celebrity 100" list multiple times, peaking at the seventh position in 2012, and is recognized as India's highest tax-paying female celebrity as of 2024.

The Instinctive Star of Bollywood

  • Instinctive Approach: Kapoor relies on her instincts and spontaneity, often avoiding rehearsals to maintain authenticity.
  • Director Praise: Rajkumar Hirani noted her ability to capture emotional scenes in one take, while Karan Johar described her as a "natural" performer.
  • Career Turning Point: Her role in Chameli (2004) marked a significant shift from superficial characters to more mature roles.
  • Versatile Performances: Gained recognition for her versatility in films like Dev (2004), Omkara (2006), and Jab We Met (2007).
  • Iconic Roles: Featured in Filmfare's "80 Iconic Performances" for her roles in Omkara and Jab We Met.
  • Industry Recognition: Recognized by India Today as "The Most Versatile Female Lead in the Industry."
  • Marketability: Maintained high marketability despite a lower success ratio than contemporaries due to her authenticity.
  • Top Rankings: Consistently ranked among the top Bollywood actresses, achieving the top position for five consecutive years from 2007 to 2011.
  • Transformative Image: Transitioned from a superficial image to a respected and bankable star known for unique and honest performances.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards:
    Jab We Met - Best Actress in a Leading Role 2008
  • BIG Star Entertainment Awards:
    Bodyguard - Most Entertaining Actor in a Romantic Role – Female 2011
    Bodyguard - Most Entertaining Pair of the Year (with Salman Khan) 2011
    Talaash - Most Entertaining Actor in a Thriller – Female 2012
  • Filmfare Awards:
    Refugee - Best Female Debut 2001
    Chameli - Special Award 2004
    Dev - Best Actress (Critics) 2005
    Omkara - Best Actress 2007
    Jab We Met - Best Actress 2008
    3 Idiots - Best Actress 2010
  • GQ Men of the Year Awards (India):
    Excellence of the Year 2009
  • HELLO! Hall of Fame Awards:
    Entertainer Of The Year (Female) 2010
    Glamour Icon Of The Year 2014
  • International Indian Film Academy Awards:
    Refugee - Star Debut of the Year – Female 2001
    Kareena Kapoor - Style Diva of the Year 2004
    Jab We Met - Best Actress 2008
    3 Idiots - Best Actress 2010
  • Lux Golden Rose Awards:
    Ki & Ka - Glamorous Diva Of The Year 2016
    I Am More Than You Can See Award 2017
    Veere Di Wedding - Confident Beauty of the Year 2018
  • Screen Awards:
    Omkara - Best Actress 2007
    Jab We Met - Best Actress (Popular Choice) 2008
    Kurbaan & 3 Idiots - Best Actress (Popular Choice) 2010
  • Stardust Awards:
    Chameli - Special Jury Award 2004
    Jab We Met - Star of the Year – Female 2008
    Kurbaan - Star of the Year – Female 2010
    3 Idiots - Performer of the Year – Female 2010
    Talaash - Performer of the Year – Female 2013
  • Zee Cine Awards:
    Kareena Kapoor - Queen of Hearts 2002
    Jab We Met - Lux Face of the Year 2008
  • Lokmot Maharashtra's Most Stylish Awards:
    Power Celebrity of the Year 2018
  • Other Awards and Recognitions:
    Bollywood Movie Awards - Best Female Debut for Refugee 2001
    Bollywood Movie Awards - Best Actress (Critics) for Chameli 2004
    NDTV Indian of the Year Awards - Entertainer Of The Decade Award 2013

Other Honors

  • Honored by Marco Ricci Society with Young Achiever Award 2004
  • Honored with Rajiv Gandhi Young Achiever Award 2005
  • Awarded as Indian Diva by Sahara One Television viewers 2005
  • Awarded the Smita Patil Memorial Award for her Contributions to the Hindi Film Industry 2006
  • Awarded with Global Achievement Award at Future Group Global Indian TV Honors 2008
  • Awarded India Today Woman Award for her contributions to art and cinema, in 2009
  • IIFA-FICCI Frames' as the Most Powerful Entertainers of the Decade award 2009
  • GQ Excellence Award for Achievement in films 2009
  • Awarded Celebrity Endorsement of the Year Award by Tech Life Awards 2009
  • Award of excellence in leading actress at Accolades competition 2018
  • Asian icon of the year award at Masala awards 2018
  • Beauty of the year at Vogue beauty awards 2020
  • Most awaited social media debut at Bollywood life awards 2020
  • Digital movies and talent award at Talent Track awards 2021
  • Social media queen award at Bollywood life awards 2022
     

Notable Quotes

  • "I work hard, and I am very passionate about my work. I take it very seriously, and I am a perfectionist."
  • "I believe that love should be like a hot air balloon. It should lift you up and take you places you have never been before."
  • "I think everyone should be true to themselves. You should be who you are and not try to be someone else."
  • “Success is not about how much money you have; it's about how happy you are in what you do.”
  • "Family is the most important thing in my life. I believe in the power of family and the values that are instilled in you from childhood."
  • "Beauty is not just about the way you look; it's about how you carry yourself and how you treat others."
  • "Bollywood is a very competitive place, but I think if you work hard and have the talent, you will always shine."

Praise and Reflections from Colleagues

  • "Kareena is a fantastic actress, and she brings a unique energy to her roles. She is always ready to push boundaries." - Rajkumar Hirani
  • "Kareena Kapoor is not just a brilliant actress but also a true friend. Her journey in cinema has been extraordinary." - Karan Johar
  • "Kareena has a natural talent for acting. She lights up the screen with her charisma and presence." - Salman Khan
  • "Working with Kareena was a wonderful experience. She's an incredibly talented actress and brings so much to her performances." - Shahid Kapoor
  • "Kareena is an icon. She has influenced so many young actresses in the industry with her work and her attitude." - Sonam Kapoor
  • "Kareena Kapoor is a powerhouse of talent. Her dedication to her craft is something I truly admire." - Rani Mukerji
Discover the Legacy Behind the Kareena name
Discover the Legacy Behind the Kapoor Surname
Disclaimer

The information provided has been gathered from various sources and may have errors or discrepancies.
If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at support@imeuswe.in

Did you find this lifestory interesting?

Other personalities you might be interested in

profile

Amitabh Bachchan

profile

Dilip Kumar

profile

Jaya Bachchan

profile

Aishwarya Rai

profile

Aamir Khan

profile

Chiranjeevi Konidela

profile

Salman Khan

profile

Kapil Sharma

profile

Yash Chopra

profile

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

profile

Akshay Kumar

profile

Dev Anand

profile

Deepika Padukone

profile

Shabana Azmi

profile

Raj Kapoor

profile

Hema Malini

profile

Ranveer Singh

profile

Asha Parekh

profile

Prithviraj Kapoor

Logo

India's first family app where the past, present and future align! Discover your roots, join or create communities and unravel your future with iMeUsWe!


Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved.

Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceCookie Settings