Kareena Kapoor

Lore & Background

Kapoor made her acting debut in 2000 in Refugee and established herself the following year with roles including the top-grossing drama Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. After a series of commercial failures and negative reviews for repetitive roles, her against-type performance as a sex worker in the 2004 drama Chameli marked a turning point. She earned critical recognition for portraying a riot victim in Dev (2004) and a character based on Desdemona in Omkara (2006). Her performance in the romantic comedy Jab We Met (2007) won her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.

Further praise came for dramatic performances in Kurbaan (2009), Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012), Heroine (2012), Udta Punjab (2016), and Laal Singh Chaddha (2022). Her highest-grossing releases include 3 Idiots (2009), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), Bodyguard (2011), Singham Returns (2014), Golmaal 3 (2010), and Good Newwz (2019). She also starred in female-led comedies Veere Di Wedding (2018) and Crew (2024). Kapoor is married to actor Saif Ali Khan, with whom she has two sons. She has worked with UNICEF since 2014 to advocate for girls' education and quality-based education in India.

Reader's Guide

Kareena Kapoor Khan's significance lies in her sustained success as a leading actress in Hindi cinema over more than two decades. Her career trajectory—from early commercial setbacks to critical acclaim for unconventional roles—illustrates her adaptability and resilience. She is recognized for breaking typecasting with performances in films like Chameli, Dev, and Omkara, and for delivering major box-office hits across genres. Beyond acting, she has hosted a radio show, co-written autobiographical memoirs and nutrition guides, and launched her own clothing and cosmetics line. Her off-screen life attracts widespread media coverage in India, and she is noted for being outspoken and assertive. Her legacy includes influencing fashion trends and advocating for education through UNICEF.

Did You Know?

• Her name 'Kareena' was derived from the book Anna Karenina, which her mother read while pregnant.
• She is of Punjabi descent on her father's side and of Sindhi and British descent on her mother's side.
• She attended a three-month summer course in microcomputers at Harvard Summer School.
• She has co-written two autobiographical memoirs and two books of nutrition guides.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Kareena Kapoor Khan (born 21 September 1980) is an Indian actress who appears in Hindi films." — Kareena Kapoor "It’s cool to be a vegan: Kareena", The Times of India (8 March 2009)." — Kareena Kapoor