Kareena Kapoor Khan, with her undeniable talent, stunning beauty, and captivating on-screen presence, is undeniably an amazing star. From her debut in the early 2000s to her recent accolades, she has fascinated audiences and carved a niche for herself in the Indian film industry. Beyond the silver screen, Kareena has emerged as a beacon of hope, using her popularity and platform to make a difference in the lives of those in need. While she continues to enchant fans with her performances, she also takes up the mantle of social responsibility, advocating for causes close to her heart.
From her impactful roles on the screen to her tireless efforts in championing children's education, women's safety, and various charitable initiatives, Kareena Kapoor proves that she is more than just a Bollywood icon. Let’s explore her rise to stardom and the inspiring humanitarian work that sets her apart from the crowd.
Family
Kareena Kapoor, born on 21 September 1980 in Mumbai, comes from a renowned family in the Indian film industry. She is the younger daughter of Randhir Kapoor and Babita, and her elder sister Karisma Kapoor is also an actress. Kareena's family background is deeply rooted in the world of cinema, with several generations of actors and filmmakers. On her paternal side, she is the granddaughter of the legendary actor and filmmakerRaj Kapoor, also known as the "Showman of Indian Cinema." On her maternal side, she is the granddaughter of actor Hari Shivdasani. Furthermore, she is also the great-granddaughter ofPrithviraj Kapoor, a distinguished actor and filmmaker who founded the iconic Prithvi Theatre.
Kareena's family tree expands further with her uncle, the late Rishi Kapoor, who was a highly acclaimed actor known for his versatility and charm on screen. Continuing the family legacy, Kareena's cousin is actor Ranbir Kapoor, who has made a name for himself in Bollywood with his impressive performances.
Kareena Kapoor's diverse heritage reflects her Punjabi Hindu roots from her father's side and Sindhi Hindu and British ancestry from her mother's side. This blend of cultures and backgrounds adds to the richness of her family history and contributes to her unique identity as a Bollywood celebrity.
Education
Kareena Kapoor's educational journey showcases her diverse interests and her eventual decision to pursue a career in acting. She attended Jamnabai Narsee School in Mumbai and later Welham Girls' School in Dehradun. Initially, she enrolled in Welham Girls' School to satisfy her mother's wishes, but she eventually grew to enjoy the experience. After completing her schooling at Welham, she returned to Mumbai and enrolled in Mithibai College to pursue a commerce degree. However, her time at college was short-lived as she decided to explore other educational opportunities. Her curiosity led her to register for a three-month summer course in microcomputers at Harvard Summer School in the United States. This experience exposed her to the field of technology. Following her stint at Harvard, Kapoor's interests shifted towards law, prompting her to enrol at the Government Law College in Mumbai. It was during this period that she developed a strong passion for reading, which has remained with her.
However, despite completing her first year of law studies, she made a pivotal decision to pursue her interest in acting. She recognized her passion for the performing arts and chose to immerse herself in the world of cinema. Although she later expressed regret for not completing her education, Kareena made the choice to follow her dreams and embark on a career in acting. To enhance her acting skills and gain professional training, Kareena Kapoor joined an acting institute in Mumbai. She received guidance from Kishore Namit Kapoor, a respected member of the Film and Television Institute of India. Under his mentorship, Kapoor honed her acting abilities and prepared herself for the challenges and opportunities that awaited her in the film industry.
Bollywood Career
From a young age, Kareena developed a passion for acting, fuelled by her exposure to films and the influence of actresses like Nargis and Meena Kumari. However, her decision to pursue a career in acting initially faced opposition from her father, who believed it conflicted with traditional maternal duties and responsibilities.
Successful Breakthrough
Kareena Kapoor's breakthrough in Bollywood came through her role in the 2001 film “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...” (K3G), directed by Karan Johar. Prior to this, she had already appeared in several films, including her debut in “Refugee”, but it was her portrayal of Pooja, fondly known as "Poo," that propelled her career to new heights. In K3G, Kareena played a vibrant and superficial character named Pooja. Although she found little resemblance between herself and the over-the-top Poo, she modelled the character's personality on the director Karan Johar himself. Being part of this big-budget production and working alongside an ensemble cast was a significant milestone for Kareena, and she considered it a dream come true. The film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... was a massive success, becoming India's second highest-grossing film of the year. It also became one of the biggest Bollywood successes in the overseas market, earning over ₹1 billion worldwide.
“Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...” not only solidified Kareena’s position in the industry but also showcased her ability to captivate audiences with her talent and charm. Following her breakthrough, Kapoor continued to make notable appearances in films such as “Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai”, “Yaadein”, “Ajnabee”, and “Aśoka”, in which she starred alongside actors such as Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Hrithik-Roshan . While some of these films had varying degrees of success at the box office, Kareena’s performances were appreciated, and she continued to garner critical acclaim.
Early Struggle
In the early years of her career in Bollywood, Kareena Kapoor faced struggles and setbacks that ultimately shaped her growth as an actress. After establishing herself as a leading actress, Kareena encountered a challenging period from 2002 to 2003. During this time, all six films in which she starred, including “Mujhse Dosti Karoge!”, “Talaash: The Hunt Begins...”, “Jeena Sirf Merre Liye”, “Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon”, “Khushi”, and “LOC Kargil”, faced both critical and commercial failure. Critics expressed concerns that Kareena was being typecast and that her performances were becoming repetitive variations of her character in “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...”. This period proved to be a valuable lesson for Kareena, teaching her the importance of working harder and seeking more diverse roles.
In 2004, she made a conscious decision to broaden her range as an actress and take on more challenging roles. She took on the role of a golden-hearted prostitute in the film “Chameli”. Initially hesitant about the role, Kareena eventually accepted it after studying the mannerisms and characteristics of sex workers in Mumbai's red-light districts. “Chameli”, with its modest production budget, marked a departure from Kareena’s previous high-profile films. Her portrayal received mixed reviews, with some praising her for exceeding expectations while others found her performance stereotypical.
Continuing her pursuit of challenging roles, she appeared in Mani Ratnam's “Yuva”, where she played Vivek Oberoi's romantic interest. She further showcased her versatility and acting prowess in the critically acclaimed film “Dev”, which explored the 2002 Hindu-Muslim riots in Gujarat. Her performance in the film garnered critical acclaim, and she won a Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress.
Great Recognition
Kareena Kapoor's recognition in Bollywood grew significantly during this period of her career. In 2004, she portrayed a villain for the first time in the thriller film “Fida”, which showcased her ability to take on diverse and challenging roles. That same year, she starred in two notable films. In Abbas-Mustan's thriller “Aitraaz”, she played the wife of a man accused of sexual harassment, choosing this role over the offer to play the antagonist, which was later played by Priyanka Chopra. Her portrayal was praised, particularly for her impactful performance in the courtroom sequence. Additionally, she appeared in Priyadarshan's comedy “Hulchul”, which became her first commercial success in three years.
In 2005, Kareena starred in “Bewafaa”, a film that received mixed reviews from critics. Despite the film's reception, she was appreciated for her portrayal of a mature and jaded character. Her other releases in that year include “Kyon Ki” and “Dosti: Friends Forever” and both of them underperformed at the box office. Her career took a significant turn in 2006 when she collaborated with Vishal Bhardwaj in the critically acclaimed film “Omkara”. In this adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello, Kareena portrayed Desdemona and faced the challenge of depicting her character's subtle inner turmoil. The following year, she teamed up with Shahid Kapoor once again in the romantic comedy “Jab We Met”. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film received positive reviews and became a commercial success. Kareena’s portrayal of the vivacious and energetic Geet was well-received, with critics praising her ability to balance naivety and spontaneity in the role.
Established Actress
Kareena Kapoor continued to rise in Bollywood during this period, showcasing her versatility and delivering notable performances in various films. In 2008, she starred in the film "Tashan," where she met her future husband, Saif Ali Khan. Although the film had high anticipation among the audience, it didn't perform well at the box office. However, Kareena’s personal life gained attention, adding to her popularity. She also lent her voice to the character of a street dog's love interest in the animated film "Roadside Romeo." Following that, she portrayed a mistrustful wife in "Golmaal Returns."
In 2009, Kareena played the role of a surgeon and model in the battle-of-the-sexes comedy "Kambakkht Ishq," which was set in Los Angeles and became the first Indian film to be shot at Universal Studios. Although the film received poor reviews from critics, it performed well at the box office, showcasing Kareena’s ability to attract audiences despite critical reception. Following that, she appeared in the dramatic thriller "Kurbaan," where she portrayed a woman confined to house arrest after discovering her husband's terrorist activities.
Her performance in the film earned her a fourth Filmfare Best Actress nomination, and critics praised her for delivering a sensitive and consistently pitched performance. The same year, she received her second Filmfare nomination for her role as Pia in Rajkumar Hirani's blockbuster film "3 Idiots." The film emerged as the highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time at that point, both domestically and internationally. Kareena’s portrayal of a medical student and love interest of Aamir Khan's character was applauded for bringing sunshine and feminine grace to the story.
In the following year, Kareena appeared in films like "Milenge Milenge," which received negative reviews, and "We Are Family," an adaptation of the Hollywood film "Stepmom." She also reunited with director Rohit Shetty for "Golmaal 3," which crossed the ₹1 billion mark domestically and garnered her Best Actress nominations. In 2011, she starred as the love interest of Salman Khan's character in the remake of the Malayalam film "Bodyguard." Although the film received mixed reviews, it became a massive financial success, becoming India's highest-earning film of the year. She further solidified her commercial success with the sci-fi film "Ra.One," sharing the screen with Shah Rukh Khan. Despite negative media coverage, the film emerged as one of the highest-grossing films of the year, adding to Kareena’s consecutive successful films.
Balancing Family and Career
After the success of "Bodyguard" and "Ra.One," Kareena continued to showcase her talent in various roles. In "Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu" (2012), she portrayed a carefree and spirited character. She followed this with "Agent Vinod," an espionage thriller, where she took on a different kind of role, showcasing her willingness to explore diverse characters. One of her notable performances came in Madhur Bhandarkar's "Heroine" in 2012, where she played a fading movie star. Initially sceptical about the role, Kareena’s portrayal received acclaim for her nuanced performance. Despite mixed reviews for the film, critics praised her ability to bring depth and vulnerability to her character.
Kareena’s final release of 2012 was "Talaash: The Answer Lies Within," and her performance in the film garnered great praise. The film emerged as a box office hit, further cementing Kareena’s status as a versatile and accomplished actress.
Kareena married actor Saif Ali Khan in 2012 and welcomed their sons in 2016 and 2021. She continued to balance her personal and professional life, maintaining her commitment to her career.
Expanding Limits
Kareena Kapoor's Bollywood career has been marked by a mix of successful films, critical acclaim, and occasional controversies. After her marriage to Saif Ali Khan in 2012, Kareena Kapoor Khan continued to work in the industry, although with a reduced workload. In 2013, she starred alongside Ajay Devgn in "Satyagraha," inspired by social activist Anna Hazare's fight against corruption. Although the film received mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office, Kareena’s performance was appreciated by some critics. She followed this with a role in the romantic comedy "Gori Tere Pyaar Mein," which received a lukewarm response from audiences and critics alike.
In the subsequent years, Kareena took on smaller roles to focus on her personal life. She appeared opposite Ajay Devgn in the action film "Singham Returns" and with Salman Khan in the drama "Bajrangi Bhaijaan". While "Singham Returns" received mixed reviews, Kareena’s role was criticized for its minimal importance. Despite this, the film performed well at the box office. On the other hand, "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" became a massive success, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.
In 2016, she took on the lead role in "Ki & Ka," a film that challenged gender stereotypes. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the film performed well at the box office, and Kareena’s performance was praised by critics who considered her a remarkable asset to the film. She followed this with a role in "Udta Punjab," a crime drama that shed light on the issue of substance abuse in Punjab. The film faced controversy with the Central Board of Film Certification, but the film was eventually cleared for exhibition.
An Actress and a Mother
After becoming a mother, Kareena Kapoor Khan made a successful return to acting, balancing her professional commitments with her parental responsibilities. Her acting journey post-motherhood showcased her versatility and willingness to explore diverse roles.
In 2018, she starred in a female buddy film, "Veere Di Wedding." The makers accommodated her pregnancy by rewriting her role, and filming began after she gave birth. Kareena was drawn to the film's portrayal of friendship and love from a female perspective, which she believed was rare in Hindi cinema. Critics praised the film for its portrayal of women with agency and a sense of humour, and Kareena delivered a restrained performance that garnered positive attention. "Veere Di Wedding" emerged as one of the highest-grossing female-led Hindi films, solidifying Kareena’s successful comeback.
She reunited with Akshay Kumar in the comedy film "Good Newwz" in 2019, which explored the journey of two couples undergoing in vitro fertilization. The film was a commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of the year.
In 2020, she took on a supporting role in "Angrezi Medium," a spiritual sequel to "Hindi Medium." She deliberately chose to step out of her comfort zone for this film and filmed her role in just 10 days while accompanying her husband on his own film shoot in London.
In 2022, Kareena starred in the adaptation of "Forrest Gump" titled "Laal Singh Chaddha," alongside Aamir Khan. Her portrayal of a troubled aspiring actress received critical acclaim. Despite facing a boycott campaign by Hindu nationalists due to Aamir Khan's political affiliations, the film failed to recoup its estimated production budget.
Eager to explore the thriller genre, Kareena signed on for two upcoming films. In "The Buckingham Murders," she will portray a detective in a small town, drawing inspiration from Kate Winslet's role in "Mare of Easttown." The other film will be an adaptation of Higashino Keigo’s novel "The Devotion of Suspect X," in which Kareena will play a single mother involved in a murder. Additionally, she will return to commercial cinema with the female-led comedy-drama "The Crew," alongside Tabu and Kriti Sanon, centred around an aircrew.
Movies List
| # | Movie Name | Releasing Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Refugee | 2000 |
| 2 | Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai | 2001 |
| 3 | Yaadein | 2001 |
| 4 | Ajnabee | 2001 |
| 5 | Aśoka | 2001 |
| 6 | Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... | 2001 |
| 7 | Mujhse Dosti Karoge! | 2002 |
| 8 | Jeena Sirf Merre Liye | 2002 |
| 9 | Talaash: The Hunt Begins... | 2003 |
| 10 | Khushi | 2003 |
| 11 | Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon | 2003 |
| 12 | LOC Kargil | 2003 |
| 13 | Chameli | 2004 |
| 14 | Yuva | 2004 |
| 15 | Dev | 2004 |
| 16 | Fida | 2004 |
| 17 | Aitraaz | 2004 |
| 18 | Hulchul | 2004 |
| 19 | Bewafaa | 2005 |
| 20 | Kyon Ki | 2008 |
| 21 | Dosti: Friends Forever | 2005 |
| 22 | 36 China Town | 2006 |
| 23 | Chup Chup Ke | 2006 |
| 24 | Omkara | 2006 |
| 25 | Jab We Met | 2007 |
| 26 | Tashan | 2008 |
| 27 | Golmaal Returns | 2008 |
| 28 | Kambakkht Ishq | 2009 |
| 29 | Main Aurr Mrs Khanna | 2009 |
| 30 | Kurbaan | 2009 |
| 31 | 3 Idiots | 2009 |
| 32 | Milenge Milenge | 2010 |
| 33 | We Are Family | 2010 |
| 34 | Golmaal 3 | 2010 |
| 35 | Bodyguard | 2011 |
| 36 | Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu | 2012 |
| 37 | Agent Vinod | 2012 |
| 38 | Heroine | 2012 |
| 39 | Talaash: The Answer Lies Within | 2012 |
| 40 | Satyagraha | 2013 |
| 41 | Gori Tere Pyaar Mein! | 2013 |
| 42 | Singham Returns | 2014 |
| 43 | Bajrangi Bhaijaan | 2015 |
| 44 | Ki & Ka | 2016 |
| 45 | Udta Punjab | 2016 |
| 46 | Veere Di Wedding | 2018 |
| 47 | Good Newwz | 2019 |
| 48 | Angrezi Medium | 2020 |
| 49 | Laal Singh Chaddha | 2022 |
Achievements
| # | Award Name | Receiving Year | Received For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut | 2001 | Refugee |
| 2 | IIFA Award for Star Debut of the Year – Female | 2001 | Refugee |
| 3 | Filmfare Award (Special Award) | 2004 | Chameli |
| 4 | IIFA Award for Style Diva of the Year | 2004 | — |
| 5 | Stardust Award (Special Jury Award) | 2004 | Chameli |
| 6 | Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics) | 2005 | Dev |
| 7 | Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics) | 2007 | Omkara |
| 8 | Stardust Award for Performer of the Year - Female | 2007 | Omkara |
| 9 | Filmfare Award for Best Actress | 2008 | Jab We Met |
| 10 | IIFA Award for Best Actress | 2008 | Jab We Met |
| 11 | Stardust Award for Star of the Year – Female | 2008 | Jab We Met |
| 12 | Stardust Award for Style Icon of the Year – Female | 2009 | — |
| 13 | IIFA Award for Best Actress | 2010 | 3 Idiots |
| 14 | Stardust Award for Star of the Year – Female | 2010 | Kurbaan |
| 15 | Stardust Award for Performer of the Year – Female | 2010 | 3 Idiots |
| 16 | BIG Star Entertainment Award for Most Entertaining Actor in a Romantic Role – Female | 2011 | Bodyguard |
| 17 | Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress | 2011 | We Are Family |
| 18 | BIG Star Entertainment Award for Most Entertaining Actor in a Thriller – Female | 2012 | Talaash |
| 19 | Stardust Award for Performer of the Year – Female | 2013 | Talaash |
| 20 | HELLO! Hall of Fame Award for Glamour Icon Of The Year | 2014 | — |
| 21 | Lux Golden Rose Award for Glamorous Diva Of The Yea | 2016 | Ki & Ka |
| 22 | Lux Golden Rose Award for I Am More Than You Can See Award | 2017 | — |
| 23 | Lux Golden Rose Award for I Am More Than You Can See Award | 2017 | — |
| 24 | Lux Golden Rose Award for Confident Beauty of the Year | 2018 | Veere Di Wedding |
Social Work
Kareena Kapoor has been actively involved in various social causes throughout her career, particularly focusing on children's education and the safety of women. Her commitment to social work has seen her collaborate with renowned organizations and participate in campaigns to bring about positive change. In 2010, she joined the international campaign 1GOAL Education for All, advocating for universal access to education. She also became the ambassador for the Shakti Campaign, an initiative launched by NDTV to combat violence against women, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day. In an effort to address the issue of rape, she launched Channel V's anti-rape mobile app called 'VithU'.
Beginning in January 2014, Kareena collaborated with UNICEF to promote girls' education and improve the quality of education in India. She visited schools in Rajasthan and Maharashtra, interacting with students and participating in fundraising events organized by the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya organization in the Jalna district. She also hosted a charity dinner alongside UNICEF India's Goodwill Ambassador, Sharmila Tagore, to raise awareness and funds for the development of underprivileged children.
She actively supported the 'Child-Friendly School and Systems' (CFSS) package, aiming to create safe and interactive learning environments. Kareena further contributed to the cause by donating funds raised through a joint initiative by UNICEF and Groupon, aimed at enhancing the quality of education in Indian schools.
In recognition of her dedication to education, Kareena awarded students and teachers for their contributions to the field during the concluding ceremony of Child Rights Protection Week in Chhattisgarh. She lent her voice to the documentary film "Girl Rising: Woh Padhegi, Woh Udegi" and produced a documentary on women's empowerment, highlighting their achievements and struggles.
Kareena’s involvement extends beyond education-related initiatives. She has supported charitable organizations by performing at fundraisers and participating in events to raise funds for various causes. She visited Indian troops in Rajasthan as part of a special Holi weekend episode of NDTV's reality show "Jai Jawaan." Additionally, she actively participated in NDTV's Greenathon Campaign, adopting the village of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh to provide sustainable electricity to its residents. In response to humanitarian crises, Kareena has shown her support through donations and awareness campaigns. She made contributions to the Kashmir flood relief and joined a campaign to raise awareness about hunger and malnutrition worldwide. She has also been involved with Global Citizen India, a joint initiative by the music festival and The Global Education and Leadership Foundation, aimed at promoting social causes.
Notably, she became the brand ambassador for Swasth Immunised India, a campaign launched by the Network18 Group and Serum Institute of India, with the objective of promoting immunization for children. Kareena Kapoor Khan's social work reflects her dedication to creating a positive impact on society. Through her involvement in education, women's safety, disaster relief, and various charitable initiatives, she has utilized her platform and influence to address critical social issues and inspire positive change.
Other
Kareena Kapoor, in addition to her successful acting career, has ventured into various other creative pursuits. One such endeavour is her work as a designer. She partnered with the retail chain Globus for a period of five years and became the first Indian actress to launch her own line of clothing for women. Kareena’s collection, which was reflective of her personal sense of style, received a positive response and made its debut in stores across India. After her collaboration with Globus ended, Kareena expressed her desire to work with a design house to release her clothing line internationally. However, she later revealed that those plans were put on hold. In August 2018, she teamed up with Lakmé Cosmetics to launch her own line of cosmetics, showcasing her interest in the world of beauty and fashion.
In addition to her involvement in the fashion industry, Kareena was also engaged in writing and nutrition. She collaborated with nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar on the book "Don't Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight" in 2009. The book focused on promoting healthy eating habits and received positive reviews from critics. It quickly gained popularity, selling 10,000 copies within its first twenty days. Two years later, Kareena and Rujuta released a follow-up book called "Women and The Weight Loss Tamasha,"
which addressed weight loss concerns and eating habits specific to women. Kareena also lent her voice-over for the audiobook version of the publication. Continuing her association with Rujuta Diwekar, Kareena collaborated with her for the third time in 2013 on a documentary film titled "The Indian Food Wisdom and The Art of Eating Right." The film explored the importance of nutrition and traditional Indian food practices. It highlighted the significance of making healthy choices in one's diet.
In 2013, Kareena released her autobiographical memoir titled "The Style Diary of a Bollywood Diva." Co-written alongside Rochelle Pinto, the book became the first to be launched under the Shobhaa De imprint of Penguin Books. It featured Kareena’s personal anecdotes, fashion tips, and insights into her life in the Bollywood industry. While the book received criticism for its casual writing style, it still garnered attention from her fans and readers.
In 2021, Kareena achieved commercial success with her release of the book "Pregnancy Bible," which she co-authored with Aditi Shah Bhimjani. The book provided insights, tips, and personal experiences related to pregnancy, catering to expecting mothers. In her most recent endorsement venture, Kareena Kapoor has joined forces with Celewish Media to endorse the interior decor company "Gloirio" This collaboration showcases her interest in the realm of interior design and decoration.
Kareena Kapoor's diverse range of creative endeavours, including designing, writing, and promoting healthy living, highlights her multifaceted talents and her ability to explore various aspects of the entertainment and lifestyle industries.
Wrapping Up
Kareena Kapoor Khan is a Bollywood icon known for her talent, beauty, and charisma. Her on-screen performances have captivated audiences for over two decades, making her one of the most beloved actresses in the industry. Beyond her acting career, Kareena actively advocates for social causes, promoting children's education, women's safety, and healthcare. She has collaborated with organizations like UNICEF and participated in various charitable initiatives. Kareena's journey showcases the power of talent, determination, and using one's influence for the greater good. She is a role model who reminds us that success lies in uplifting and empowering others. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
