Kapoor family of Bollywood, also known as the first family of Indian Cinema has a record of having spent at least five generations in the industry. More than 90 years have passed since Prithviraj Kapoor, the first from the Kapoor clan debuted in the film ‘Do Dhari Talwar’ in 1928. I remember him more for the blockbuster ‘Mughal-e-Azam’, ‘Rustom Sohrab’ and ‘Teen Bahuraniyan’. His acting prowess needs no introduction. The Kapoor family shifted to Mumbai from Peshawar( now in Pakistan) in the early 20s. Prithviraj Kapoor started his theatre ‘Prithvi theatre’ and his brother Trilok Kapoor started focusing on his acting career. He had been a commercially successful actor for many decades. You might have seen him as lord Shiva in many mythological movies along with Nirupa Roy (as Parvati). Continue reading to know more about the Kapoors of Bollywood.
Prithviraj Kapoor and Prithvi Theatres
After his short stint with acting in cinema, Prithviraj Kapoor founded his own ‘Prithvi theatres‘. The theatre troupe would travel from city to city to perform. He was continuously involved in Hindi cinema while nurturing his theatre. Prithviraj married Ramsarni in 1923 and had three sons, Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor. As we know, all of them were wonderful actors/producers/directors.
Raj Kapoor started RK Studios
Like his father, Raj Kapoor was also inclined to film making. He started his career at father’s Prithvi theatres and joined cinema as well. His first major appearance on screen was Aag (1948) that he also produced and directed. After that, there was no looking back. There are several superhit movies to his credit. Aan, Barsaat, Shree 420, Awara, Mera Naam Joker, to name a few.
Raj Kapoor married Krishna, sister of Premnath and Rajendranath. They had five children, Randhir, Rishi, Rajiv, Ritu, Reema. Rishi Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor were a part of many superhits. The craze of Kapoors in Bollywood continued. Check below the family tree of the famous Kapoors of Bollywood.
Shashi Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor
Shashi Kapoor was the youngest son of Prithviraj Kapoor. His initial years were spent backstage at Prithvi Theatres, travelling eight months a year. He too entered the cinema and gave many fabulous performances.
Shammi Kapoor became an onscreen sensation after the release of his movie Junglee; do you remember the songs?
Randhir Kapoor and his daughters Karishma and Kareena
Randhir Kapoor’s daughters, Karisma and Kareena entered Bollywood against the family trend. As we all know, both took the popularity of Kapoor Khandaan to another level. Karisma married industrialist Sanjay Kapur but their marriage didn’t work. She has two children, Samaira and Kiaan. Kareena married Saif Ali Khan and became a member of the Nawab Pataudi family. They have two sons.
Rishi Kapoor and son Ranbir Kapoor
Rishi Kapoor was a great actor. His son Ranbir Kapoor is carrying the family legacy forward. He shares his name with his grandfather(Raj Kapoor’s real name was Ranbirraj Kapoor). With the great name comes great responsibility. He has a long way to go.
Our expectations from the fifth-generation Kapoor kids are quite high. Based on the family trend, their future seems to be secured in Bollywood.
Trivia of the day
Guess the name of the movie from this plot:
“A junior artist in movies is smitten by a popular actress. He is killed while trying to save her from a fire accident. He is reborn thirty years later to avenge her death.”
The correct one with the fastest finger will be given a special mention in the next episode of Bollywood Gossip:)
The answer to the previous question is ‘Anand’ and the winner is Deepika Sharma! Congratulations!! It’s your hatrick!!
PANORAMIC RIPPLES 
That’s a power-packed family tree. Indeed, the Kapoors are probably the scions of the Indian film industry… though definitely not up to everyone’s taste!
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I agree.
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Karz starring Rishi Kapoor and Simmi Grewal
The Kapoors are definitely the most iconic family in Bollywood. You have given the history shory and crisp.
Deepika Sharma
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Oh…not Karz. It’s Om Shanti Om with Shahrukh and Deepika in main leads:)
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Oh 😀
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It was Deepika’s (your namesake) debut movie;)
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The Kapoors are so popular but sadly few of them had a happy life. Shashi’s kids r not married. Karishma divorced. All the Kapoors are into drinking heavily.
Quiz answer is Om Shanti Om?
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I somewhat agree with you.
Om Shanti Om is the correct answer! Congratulations, you are the first one to answer correctly:)
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Kapoor Khaandaan has played an important role in Bollywood. So much talent.
Sweet family pic.
Answer- Om Shanti Om
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Exactly:)
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I love the tree, no wonder if it would rise the google charts soon as the most searched article.
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Thanks Roma🥰
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Wow-what a family tree of the Kapoor family, I was engrossed in it for a long. One of the iconic and the first family of Indian cinema have a large impact on the industry for sure. Good to see the family pic.
Karz is the movie of past life, and song Ek haseena thi is one of my favourite.
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Oh no… the movie is Om Shanti Om!
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I read Rishi Kapoor’s biography and am aware of most of the things you shared here about his family’s movie and theatre background. I’m his huge fan since childhood. It’s a legendary and foodie family indeed.
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Exactly 😊
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First the answer of quiz is Om shanti Om. loved the article and kappor family tree so much. Indeed kapoors have a major impact on our film industry.
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Answer is correct 👍
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Thanks for teh chart… despite being a huge Bollywood nut, Ive definitely forgotten so many in there as well as the correct lineage
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It’s a huge list, I wrote to make it a ready reference.
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An interesting article on the Kapoor khandaan! Most of them were celebs in their own right.
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Shashi and Rishi were the most charming ones!
deepties.blogspot.com
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No doubt 👍
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True!
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Such an interesting post on Kapoor’s and yes…I guess the movie is it Karz!!
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No…the movie is Om Shanti Om
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I kept staring at this gorgeous family tree. Many names were unknown to me. It was nice to learn some new facts about the happening family, as well.
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Glad you liked it.
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Wow.. How huge is this kapoor family. I agree they have immense contribution in Bollywood. From Pruthvi Raj kapoor’s to Ranbeer kapoor all are brilliant actors.
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That’s why we write/read about them;)
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I am not much into Bollywood, but yes Rishi Kapoor was a brilliant actor.
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Agree
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Om Shanthi om. They’re all great actors I love bebo especially
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👍
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Great Research, Aditi. Even being a Bollywood die-hard fan, I came to know many facts about legendary families that are totally new. Like Prithviraj Kapoor had one brother also. Ranbir Kapoor’s full name is RanbirRaj Kapoor. This series is pure of my taste.
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A little correction. Raj Kapoor’s name was Ranbirraj Kapoor:)
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First the answer to your quiz is ‘ Om Shanti Om.The Kapoors are definitely the most iconic family in Bollywood. Great research
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Thanks:)
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Amazing family tree. I just took my time to see whos who! hehe loved it
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Thanks 😊
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Maybe you are right.
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