Kareena Kapoor

Kareena Kapoor Khan (née Kapoor), born September 21, 1980, is an Indian actress whose dramatic talent and undeniable star power have made her a reigning force in Hindi cinema since 2000. Hailing from the legendary Kapoor family, daughter of actors Babita and Randhir Kapoor and younger sister to Karisma Kapoor, she has amassed six Filmfare Awards and consistently ranks among the industry's highest-paid stars. After her impactful debut in Refugee (2000) and early success with the top-grossing Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kapoor Khan dramatically reinvented her image with the critically acclaimed, against-type performance in Chameli (2004), leading to further accolades for Dev and Omkara. Her career-defining role in Jab We Met (2007) earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress, solidifying a filmography that boasts colossal blockbusters like 3 Idiots, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Bodyguard, and Singham Returns, alongside acclaimed dramas such as Udta Punjab and female-led hits like Veere Di Wedding and Crew. Affectionately known as 'Bebo', this outspoken fashion icon, married to actor Saif Ali Khan, extends her influential presence beyond the screen through a radio show, co-authored memoirs and nutrition guides, her own lifestyle brands, and dedicated advocacy with UNICEF for girls' education since 2014. Kapoor burst onto the scene with a series of blockbuster hits that cemented her status as Bollywood's brightest new star. She made her debut in Rakesh Roshan's Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, but it was her role as Naaz in J.P. Dutta's Refugee that truly showcased her talent and earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Critics raved about her performances in Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, with Taran Adarsh hailing her as "one of the main highlights" of the latter. The film's massive success catapulted Kapoor to stardom, earning her over ₹1 billion worldwide and establishing her as a leading lady of Hindi cinema. Her performances in Aśoka and Yaadein further solidified her reputation as a versatile and compelling actress. But it was the string of box office bombs in 2002 and 2003 that proved to be a setback, with critics accusing her of becoming typecast in her earlier roles. Despite the setbacks, Kapoor remained determined, using the experience as a valuable lesson to fuel her growth and push her to work even harder. Kareena Kapoor's meteoric rise as a leading lady was about to take a dramatic turn. By 2004, she was eager to push her boundaries and take on more complex roles beyond the typical glamorous lead. Her bold move was to star in Sudhir Mishra's independent film Chameli, where she played a golden-hearted prostitute. Kapoor's preparation for the role was intense, as she spent nights visiting Mumbai's red-light districts to study the mannerisms and dress of sex workers. The film's modest budget of ₹ 20 million was a far cry from her usual high-profile productions, but Kapoor's performance exceeded expectations, earning her a special jury recognition at the 49th Filmfare Awards. This marked a turning point in her career, and she went on to co-star in Mani Ratnam's Yuva, where she played the romantic interest of Vivek Oberoi. Though her role was relatively small, Kapoor shone in Omkara, Vishal Bhardwaj's adaptation of Othello, where she played Desdemona with remarkable subtlety. Her portrayal earned her a fourth Filmfare Award and cemented her status as a versatile and accomplished actress. Kareena Kapoor is a Bollywood icon who rose to fame in 2007 after a highly publicized breakup with Shahid Kapoor, leading to a whirlwind romance with Saif Ali Khan. Her dramatic turn as Geet Dhillon in Jab We Met opposite Shahid Kapoor marked a pivotal moment in her career, earning her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress and cementing her status as a leading lady. Her subsequent collaborations with director Imtiaz Ali and actor Saif Ali Khan in Tashan and Golmaal Returns showcased her versatility and range, despite the latter's commercial underperformance. However, her chemistry with Saif Ali Khan on-screen and off-screen became a major talking point, solidifying their relationship and paving the way for their eventual marriage. Kareena Kapoor Khan followed her success in Bodyguard and Ra.One with a string of bold, critically-acclaimed performances that cemented her status as a leading lady. In 2012, she dazzled in Shakun Batra's Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, a romantic comedy set in Las Vegas, where she played Riana Braganza, a carefree young woman who gets married to a stranger after a wild night. The film was a major hit, grossing ₹ 530 million worldwide, with The Hollywood Reporter praising her "endearingly natural" performance. Kapoor Khan then took on a diverse range of roles, from the espionage thriller Agent Vinod, where she was described as miscast, to Madhur Bhandarkar's Heroine, where she played a fading movie star with a "deliciously camp" performance that earned her the Editor's Choice for Best Actress at the Stardust Awards. Her personal life also made headlines in 2012 when she married actor Saif Ali Khan in a private ceremony in Mumbai, and the couple welcomed two sons in 2016 and 2021. Kapoor Khan's on-screen presence continued to mesmerize audiences in Talaash: The Answer Lies Within, where she played Rosie, a prostitute, and received Best Actress nominations for her performance. She then collaborated with Ajay Devgn in Prakash Jha's Satyagraha, a socio-political drama that explored India's fight against corruption. After a few years of focusing on her family, Kapoor Khan returned to the screen with a starring role in Ki & Ka, a film about gender stereotypes that grossed over ₹ 1 billion worldwide, and Udta Punjab, a crime drama that sparked controversy and earned her a Best Supporting Actress nomination. Kapoor Khan made a triumphant return to acting after the birth of her first child, taking on a string of bold and critically acclaimed roles. Her first project back was Shashanka Ghosh's female buddy film, Veere Di Wedding, where she starred alongside Swara Bhaskar, Sonam Kapoor, and Shikha Talsania. The film's portrayal of women with agency, flaws, and humor earned widespread praise, and Kapoor Khan's restrained performance was singled out by Anna M. M. Vetticad. Veere Di Wedding went on to become one of the highest-grossing female-led Hindi films of all time, with a worldwide gross of over ₹ 1.38 billion. Kapoor Khan then reteamed with Akshay Kumar in the comedy Good Newwz, earning Best Actress nominations at Filmfare, IIFA, and Zee Cine Awards for her performance. The film was a massive commercial success, earning over ₹ 3 billion to become the fifth highest-grossing Hindi film of the year. She took on a supporting role in Angrezi Medium, a spiritual sequel to Hindi Medium, and later starred in Laal Singh Chaddha, an adaptation of Forrest Gump, opposite Aamir Khan. Her performance as Rupa, a troubled aspiring actress, was hailed as one of the best of her career. Kapoor Khan then took a bold turn towards thriller films, signing on for Jaane Jaan and The Buckingham Murders. Her roles in these films marked a departure from her usual glamorous parts, with critics praising her brisk and restrained performances. Jaane Jaan became the most-watched Indian film on Netflix in 2023, while The Buckingham Murders premiered at the 2023 BFI London Film Festival. Kapoor Khan returned to commercial cinema with the female-led heist comedy Crew, co-starring Tabu and Kriti Sanon, which became another major success for her. Her subsequent films, including Singham Again and the upcoming Daayra with Prithviraj Sukumaran, are highly anticipated, solidifying her position as one of the most successful Hindi film actresses of all time. A renowned actress and philanthropist, Kapoor Khan is an influential figure in the world of Indian cinema and beyond. She has been actively involved in numerous humanitarian causes, showcasing her commitment to social causes. In 2003, she performed at a fundraiser for the World Youth Peace Summit. In 2004, Kapoor Khan participated in a concert to raise funds for the victims of the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. She also visited Indian troops in Rajasthan as part of NDTV's Jai Jawaan campaign, spending a weekend with them for an episode of NDTV's reality show, Jai Jawaan. In 2010, Kapoor Khan became a part of NDTV's Greenathon Campaign, pledging to provide regular electricity supply to the village of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh. Four years later, she participated in a campaign to raise awareness about hunger and malnutrition in the world. She also made a contribution to the Kashmir flood relief efforts. In September 2016, Kapoor Khan attended the inaugural event of Global Citizen India—a joint initiative by the music festival of the same name and The Global Education and Leadership Foundation. The following year, she was appointed the brand ambassador for Swasth Immunised India, a campaign launched by the Network18 Group and Serum Institute of India to promote immunization for children. Kareena Kapoor Khan is a Bollywood icon and one of India's most beloved celebrities, known for her striking looks, unapologetic attitude, and unwavering dedication to her craft. With a career spanning over two decades, she's made a name for herself as a style icon, captivating audiences with her effortless charm and undeniable talent. From her early days as a child star to her rise as a leading lady, Kapoor Khan has consistently pushed boundaries and defied expectations, earning her a reputation as a fierce and fearless performer. Her remarkable journey has been marked by numerous awards and accolades, including being named "India's Most Beautiful Woman" by People magazine and featured on CNN Go's list of "Who Mattered Most in India". With her husband Saif Ali Khan, she's been one of the country's most talked-about celebrity couples, and their sons have been the subject of much media attention since their birth in 2016 and 2021. Off-screen, Kapoor Khan has been an outspoken advocate for women's rights and empowerment, and her unapologetic approach to her personal life has often sparked both praise and criticism. Love her or hate her, Kareena Kapoor Khan is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the world of Bollywood, and her influence extends far beyond the silver screen. Kareena Kapoor is known for her fearless approach to acting, often relying on her instincts and spontaneity to deliver unforgettable performances. A true chameleon of the big screen, Kapoor has consistently pushed herself to take on diverse roles, refusing to rehearse for a project in order to maintain her raw, emotional authenticity. Even directors like Rajkumar Hirani and Karan Johar have marveled at her natural talent, citing her ability to tap into the emotional depth of a scene in a single take. With a filmography spanning over a decade, Kapoor has undergone a remarkable transformation from playing superficial characters to becoming a bankable, versatile actress. Critics have praised her for her effortless honesty in her performances, and her ability to reinvent herself with ease. With a whopping 13-year streak on Box Office India's "Top Bollywood Actresses" list, Kapoor's star power is undeniable. Kareena Kapoor — now known as Kareena Kapoor Khan—has stormed Bollywood with over 66 Hindi films, bursting onto the scene in 2000 opposite Abhishek Bachchan in the drama Refugee, a performance that snagged her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. The following year she dominated the box office with five releases, from the sweet romance Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai to the thriller Ajnabee and the record‑smashing overseas hit Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, cementing her star status. After a brief slump of repetitive commercial failures, 2004 marked a turning point as she transformed into a gritty prostitute in Chameli, earning a Filmfare Special Award, while also delivering a powerful turn as a Muslim woman scarred by the 2002 Gujarat riots in Dev. Her fearless Desdemona in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Omkara (2006) secured two Filmfare Critics Awards for Best Actress, and in 2007 she dazzled as the chatty Sikh heroine of Jab We Met, winning Best Actress honors. Partnering with Aamir Khan in Rajkumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots (2009)—the highest‑grossing Indian film at the time—she proved her versatility, later bagging Best Supporting Actress for We Are Family and starring as a tomboy in the blockbuster Golmaal 3 (2010). The next year saw her headline the massive hits Bodyguard and Ra.One, while 2012 showcased her range in Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, Heroine and the haunting Talaash: The Answer Lies Within. Opting for smaller love‑interest roles in Singham Returns (2014) and the record‑breaking Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), she rebounded in 2016 with the satirical smash Ki & Ka and the critically acclaimed Udta Punjab. Ensemble comedies Veere Di Wedding (2018) and Good Newwz (2019) added to her streak, before a commercial miss with Aamir Khan in Laal Singh Chaddha (2022). She then broke into streaming with the thriller Jaane Jaan (2023) and reclaimed box‑office glory in 2024’s female‑led comedy Crew, before re‑uniting with Rohit Shetty for the high‑octane sequel Singham Again in the Cop Universe.