The Kapoor Khandaan: A look at the five generations of Bollywood’s first family

New Delhi: Bollywood’s original aristocracy, the Kapoor family has been in the showbiz for almost 100 years with 5 generations of direct descendants. They were the first family to introduce the star-family matrix and have launched an actor from every generation since Prithviraj Kapoor.

The Kapoor clan is deeply rooted in the history of Indian cinema. Also called the royal family of Bollywood, their legacy extends beyond acting in the films. 

The dreams of every Kapoor kid is deeply steeped in cinema and following the lineage their great-great grandfather left them. This trend of pursuit is followed by every family in Bollywood now as they pass on the torch to the younger generation.

ATTENTION: the Kapoor family tree has been updated. Permalink to a pdf: https://t.co/lsCZ6HuCNk pic.twitter.com/m6t8QaGhcB

— Beth Loves Bollywood (@bethlovesbolly) April 14, 2022

First Generation: Basheshwarnath Kapoor

Prithviraj Kapoor’s father Basheshwarnath Kapoor was the first generation of Kapoors in films. He made his debut as an actor in 1951 movie Awaara.

Basheshwarnath Kapoor’s grandson, Raj Kapoor produced, directed and played the lead character in the film as well.

Second Generation: Prithviraj Kapoor

The Kapoor lineage in Bollywood started with Prithviraj Kapoor. The family’s original patriarch, he came to Bombay to work in films during the silent films period.

Prithviraj’s first full-length feature was the 1931 film Alam Ara. His contributions extended beyond films, as he established the Prithvi Theatres in the city of dreams.

Some of his most iconic characters include Akbar from Mughal-e-Azam (1960) and Alexander from Sikandar (1941). He made way for his three sons, Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor in the Hindi film industry.

Third Generation: Shammi Kapoor

Shammi Kapoor was a part of the third generation of the Kapoor family in the film business. His popularity dominated all through the ‘50s and ‘60s cinema.

The actor married Geeta Bali but she passed away in 1965 after suffering from smallpox. Shammi later married Neila Devi in 1969.

Known for romancing his heroines in exotic locations such as the Dal Lake in Kashmir ki Kali (1964) and Paris in An Evening in Paris (1967), Shammi had a signature. It was his comfort with his body and a head-banging dance style.

The legend says that no dance director ever got a job on a Shammi Kapoor set.

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Third Generation: Raj Kapoor

Amongst all the Kapoors, Raj Kapoor had the biggest contribution towards increasing the reach of Hindi cinema to international waters. 

Widely known as the greatest showman in the history of Indian cinema, Raj Kapoor married his wife Krishna Malhotra in 1930 and had five children: three sons, actors Randhir, Rishi and Rajiv, and two daughters, Ritu Nanda and Rima Jain.

Fourth Generation: Rishi Kapoor

Rishi Kapoor carried his father Raj Kapoor’s legacy forward. He was also the most successful of his siblings.

Some of his most notable films include Bobby (1973), Khel Khel Mein (1975), Kabhi Kabhie (1976) and Chandni (1989). Rishi was also critically acclaimed for his work in the 2000s films Love Aaj Kal (2009), Kapoor and Sons (2016) and Mulk (2018).

Rishi’s chemistry with his on-screen heroine Neetu Singh translated in real life and the couple tied the knot in 1980. They had two kids: Ranbir Kapoor and Riddhima Kapoor.

Fifth Generation: Kareena Kapoor

Kareena Kapoor is the most popular and successful Kapoor starkid of her time. She made her debut in 2000 drama Refugee for which she won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.

Over her 20+ year career in the Hindi film industry, Kareena has redefined the standards of acting for her peers. She has actively led the torch for women in her family who were not allowed to be a part of Bollywood.

Kareena married actor Saif Ali Khan in 2012 and the couple has two sons, Taimur and Jeh.

Fifth Generation: Ranbir Kapoor

The torch-bearer of the Kapoor family is one of the biggest stars in the Hindi film industry today. Ranbir Kapoor’s debut film, Saawariya tanked at the box office but his looks and charm left a deep impact on the audiences.

Ranbir proved his metal with critically and commercially successful films like Wake Up Sid, Barfi, Raajneeti and Rockstar. He recently married Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt and welcomed their first child, daughter Raha.