Raj Kapoor¡¯s family tree: Meet Kapoor Khandaan, the 'First Family of Indian Cinema' on Raj Kapoor¡¯s 100th birthday
The Kapoor family, known as the "First Family of Indian Cinema," celebrated Raj Kapoor's 100th birthday, honouring his legendary contributions. Spanning five generations, the Kapoor Khandaan's legacy continues to shape Bollywood with unmatched talent and influence.
Raj Kapoor¡¯s birthday: On 14th December, Mumbai sparkled with joy as Bollywood stars and the Kapoor family celebrated Raj Kapoor's 100th birthday. Known as the ¡°Showman of Indian Cinema,¡± Raj Kapoor¡¯s remarkable contributions to Indian cinema were honoured in a grand event filled with heartfelt tributes, glitz, and glamour.
The Kapoor Khandaan: The First Family of Indian Cinema
The Kapoor family, often called the ¡°First Family of Indian Cinema,¡± has been part of the film industry for around 95 years. Spanning five generations, their influence in Indian cinema and other creative fields remains unmatched. While the family is widely known, many people still find it difficult to trace the members of this almost royal dynasty. Let¡¯s look at the Kapoor family tree to understand their lineage.
Guinness World Record
The Kapoor family holds the Guinness World Record for being Bollywood's largest screen family. Since Prithviraj Kapoor made his acting debut in 1929, 24 members of the extended Kapoor family have appeared in films. His three sons¡ªRaj, Shammi, and Shashi¡ªalso followed in his footsteps, along with other relatives through marriage. Notable connections by marriage include legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, filmmakers Ramesh Sippy and Manmohan Desai, and Shashi Kapoor's sister-in-law, British actress Felicity Kendal. One of Bollywood's top actresses today, Karisma Kapoor, is the great-granddaughter of Prithviraj Kapoor.
The Founding Member: Prithviraj Kapoor
Prithviraj Kapoor, the patriarch of the Kapoor family, was born in 1906 in Punjab. He was the first Kapoor to enter the Indian film industry. In 1923, he married Ramsarni Malhotra, and together they had three sons¡ªRaj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, and Shashi Kapoor, along with a daughter, Urmila Sial. Tragically, two of their children died in infancy.
Raj Kapoor: The Showman
Born in 1924, Raj Kapoor was one of the most iconic actors, directors, and producers in Indian cinema. He was the eldest of Prithviraj Kapoor¡¯s six children. Married to Krishna Kapoor, Raj Kapoor had five children: Randhir Kapoor, Ritu Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Reema Kapoor, and Rajiv Kapoor.
Shammi Kapoor: The Rebel Star
Shammi Kapoor, born on 21st October 1931, was a celebrated actor and director. He married Geeta Bali in 1955, but she passed away in 1965. Later, he married Neila Devi, although their marriage lasted only four years. Shammi Kapoor had two children with Geeta Bali¡ªAditya Raj Kapoor and Kanchan Kapoor. He passed away in 2011 due to kidney failure.
Shashi Kapoor: The Global Star
Shashi Kapoor, born in 1938, was another gem of Indian cinema. He married Jennifer Kendal, and the couple had three children: Kunal, Karan, and Sanjana Kapoor. Shashi Kapoor¡¯s contributions to cinema earned him immense respect both in India and abroad.
Raj Kapoor¡¯s Children
Raj Kapoor¡¯s five children each played a role in carrying forward the family¡¯s legacy:
Randhir Kapoor
Randhir Kapoor married Babita and has two daughters, Karisma and Kareena Kapoor Khan. Karisma was married to Sanjay Kapur, with whom she has two children, Samaira and Kiaan Raj Kapoor. Kareena is married to Saif Ali Khan, and they have a son, Taimur, along with a younger son, Jehangir Ali Khan.
Ritu Kapoor
Ritu Kapoor Nanda married Rajan Nanda and had two children, Nikhil and Nitasha Nanda. Nikhil is married to Shweta Bachchan Nanda, and they have two children, Navya Naveli and Agastya Nanda.
Rishi Kapoor
Rishi Kapoor, married to Neetu Kapoor, had two children: Riddhima Kapoor Sahani and Ranbir Kapoor. Ranbir, a leading Bollywood star, is married to Alia Bhatt, and they have a daughter named Raha Kapoor.
Rima
Rima Jain married Manoj Jain, and they have two sons, Armaan Jain and Aadar Jain. Armaan is married to Anissa Malhotra, while Aadar is dating actress Tara Sutaria.
Rajiv Kapoor was briefly married to Aarti Sabharwal, though they later parted ways.
Shammi Kapoor¡¯s Children
Shammi Kapoor¡¯s children, Aditya Raj Kapoor and Kanchan Kapoor, continued the family tradition in their unique ways:
- Aditya Raj Kapoor initially worked as an actor before shifting to filmmaking and business. He lives in Mumbai with his family.
- Kanchan Kapoor married Ketan Desai, son of film producer Manmohan Desai.
Shashi Kapoor¡¯s Children
Shashi Kapoor¡¯s three children¡ªKunal, Karan, and Sanjana Kapoor¡ªfollowed diverse paths:
- Kunal Kapoor turned to advertising and filmmaking after an unsuccessful acting career.
- Karan Kapoor, known as the ¡°Bombay Dyeing Man,¡± is a photographer.
- Sanjana Kapoor runs the famous Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai and is married to Valmik Thapar, with whom she has a son.
Celebrating Raj Kapoor¡¯s Legacy
The Kapoor Khandaan continues to shine brightly, reflecting Raj Kapoor¡¯s vision and contributions. On his 100th birthday, the family and fans celebrated not just his work but also the generations of talent that followed. Raj Kapoor¡¯s legacy remains a cornerstone of Indian cinema, inspiring millions even today.
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Bhupinder Singh serves as a Principal Executive in Content Management, specializing in SEO content related to trending financial news, net worth of celebrities, historic events, and art and culture. His passion for cricket shines through in his work and personal interests. In his free time, Bhupinder enjoys discussing cricket legends like MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar, as well as following the IPL.
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