Bollywood film families: Raj to Raha - Kapoor khandan through the ages

Several families have contributed to the advancement of Indian cinema over the years, across sectors, languages, and communities. The Kapoors are the most famous family in Hindi cinema, with five generations of directors, stage artists and actors. They span nearly eighty years of Indian filmmaking, from the 1920s to the present. They are also related to other prominent cinema families. Surinder Kapoor, Bollywood producer and father of actors Anil, Boney, and Sanjay Kapoor, was Prithviraj Kapoor's cousin. Kareena Kapoor's marriage to Saif Ali Khan has linked them to the Pataudis, and Shweta Bachchan's mother-in-law was Raj Kapoor's daughter, the late Ritu Nanda. Here's a look at the Kapoor family tree, which spans 93 years and 5 generations of direct descendants, with Prithviraj Kapoor as the patriarch.

Updated On: 2023-09-12 04:03 PM IST

Compiled by : Tuhina Upadhyay

Kapoor khandan

1st Generation

The Kapoor dynasty finds its origins in the remarkable Basheshwarnath Kapoor, the father of Prithviraj Kapoor. Basheshwarnath made his acting debut in the 1951 film "Awaara,"

2nd Generation

Prithviraj Kapoor, the patriarch, arrived in Bombay during the era of silent films. He left an unfailing mark by starring in India's first full-length talkie, "Alam Ara" (1931). Founder of Prithvi Theatres, he portrayed iconic characters such as Akbar (in "Mughal-e-Azam," 1960) and Alexander (in "Sikandar," 1941). He wed Ramasarni Mehra and had three sons—Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, and Shashi Kapoor—who dominated Hindi cinema during the fifties and sixties.

3rd Generation

Raj Kapoor, the legendary showman, was a distinguished actor, producer, and director. His contributions enhanced Bollywood's international prominence. Raj Kapoor and Krishna Kapoor had five children: three sons—actors Randhir, Rishi, and Rajiv—and two daughters, Ritu Nanda and Rima Jain.

Shammi Kapoor, known for his entertaining and successful films like "Tumsa Nahin Dekha" and "Junglee," became a stylish playboy and dancing hero in the '50s and '60s. He married Geeta Bali and had a son, Aditya Raj Kapoor, and a daughter, Kanchan.

Shashi Kapoor, active from the late '60s to the mid-'80s, delivered blockbusters like "Sharmelee," "Waqt," "Haseena Man Jayegi," and "Satyam Shivan Sundaram." He made a notable pairing with Amitabh Bachchan and was known for his international work. He married English actress Jennifer Kendal, and their three children are Kunal Kapoor, Karan Kapoor, and Sanjana Thapar.

4th Generation

Son of Raj Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, debuted as a child in "Shree 420" (1955) and "Do Ustad" (1956), and entered acting and directing with "Kal Aaj Aur Kal" (1971). He appeared in several '70s films but reduced his film appearances in the mid-'80s. He married actress Babita, with whom he has two daughters, Kareena and Karisma Kapoor.

Daughter of Raj Kapoor, Ritu Nanda, a businesswoman and insurance advisor, married industrialist Rajan Nanda and had two children. Their son, Nikhil Nanda, married Amitabh Bachchan's daughter, Shweta.

Son of Raj Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, was the most successful of Raj Kapoor's children, starred in iconic films like "Bobby" (1973), "Khel Khel Mein" (1975), and "Chandni" (1989). In the 2000s, he transitioned to character roles in acclaimed films. He married Neetu Singh, and they had two children, Riddhima and Ranbir Kapoor. He unfortunately passed away in 2020.

Daughter of Raj Kapoor, Rima Jain married investment banker Manoj Jain, and her sons, Armaan Jain and Aadar Jain, have both entered Bollywood.

Son of Raj Kapoor, Rajiv Kapoor, is known for his roles in "Ram Teri Ganga Maili" (1985) and other films, he then transitioned to producing and directing. He was married to architect Aarti Sabharwal from 2001 to 2003.

Son of Shammi Kapoor, Aditya Raj Kapoor is recognized for his work as an assistant director and English-language directorial films, has left his mark on both Hindi and international cinema.

Daughter of Shammi Kapoor, Kanchan Kapoor has generally maintained a lower profile and has not been prominently featured in the public eye or in the entertainment industry. 

Kunal Kapoor, the son of Shashi Kapoor and Jennifer Kendal, acted in English-language and art films before transitioning to ad film production. He has two children, Zahan Prithviraj Kapoor and Shaira.

Son of Shashi Kapoor, Karan Kapoor, a known model, appeared in films like "Sultanat" (1986) and now runs a photography company in the UK.

Daughter of Shashi Kapoor, Sanjana Kapoor is known for her roles in films like "36 Chowringhee Lane" and "Salaam Bombay," shifted her focus to theatre. She manages Prithvi Theatre and launched Junoon Theatre. She married Valmik Thapar.

5th generation

Daughter of Randhir Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor was the first daughter of the Kapoor family to enter Bollywood, gained fame with blockbusters like "Raja Hindustani" and "Dil Toh Pagal Hai." She is loved for her acting and dancing skills. Karisma is currently separated from businessman Sanjay Kapur, with whom she has daughter Samaira and Son Kiaan Raj.

Daughter of Randhir Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor followed her sister's footsteps, making her debut in "Refugee" (2000). With a successful career, she married Saif Ali Khan and has two sons.

Daughter of Ritu Kapoor Nanda, Natasha Nanda is a member of the prominent Kapoor family. While she is part of this esteemed Bollywood family, Natasha has primarily kept a low profile in the public eye and has not pursued a career in the entertainment industry.

Son of Ritu Kapoor Nanda, Nikhil Nanda married Shweta Bachchan and has two children, Agastya and Navya Naveli.

Rishi Kapoor married Neetu Singh and they were blessed with two children, Ranbir and Ridhima Kapoor.

Riddhima Kapoor, Ranbir's sister, is a jewelry designer married to businessman Bharat Sahni, with a daughter named Samara.

Ranbir Kapoor, one of the biggest stars in India, made a significant impact with films like "Rockstar" and "Sanju." He is married to Alia Bhatt and together they share a daughter, Raha Kapoor.

Elder son of Rima Jain, Armaan Jain debuted as an actor in Lekar Hum Deewana Dil. He is married to Anissa Malhotra.

Son of Rima Jain, Aadar Jain debuted with the 2017 Hindi film Qaidi Band.

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