By Erin Levi
The Kapoor family, often called Bollywood’s «first family,» has shaped Indian cinema for over five generations. From Prithviraj Kapoor’s theatrical legacy to Ranbir Kapoor’s modern-day stardom, the Kapoors have defined Bollywood’s evolution.
On January 24, ETimes, an affiliate of Times of India, published a major feature highlighting the Kapoor family’s enduring impact on Bollywood, stating:
“Indian cinema owes much of its grandeur and legacy to the illustrious Kapoor family, a lineage that has played a pivotal role in shaping Bollywood’s history. From Prithviraj Kapoor’s pioneering contributions to Ranbir Kapoor’s contemporary stardom, the Kapoor family has not only redefined storytelling but also left an indelible mark across generations.”
Film critic Taran Adarsh, distributor Raj Bansal, and filmmaker Rumy Jafry reflected on the Kapoor dynasty’s influence in exclusive interviews, reinforcing the family’s unparalleled role in Indian cinema.
Prithviraj Kapoor: The Visionary Pioneer
Born in 1906 in Lyallpur (present-day Pakistan), Prithviraj Kapoor was a pioneer of Indian theatre and film. His role in Alam Ara (1931), India’s first talkie, marked a turning point. In 1944, he founded Prithvi Theatre, which nurtured Indian stagecraft and laid the groundwork for his family’s deep-rooted connection to the arts.
Raj Kapoor: The Showman of Bollywood
Prithviraj’s son, Raj Kapoor, is regarded as Bollywood’s greatest showman and “master storyteller,” as described by Adarsh in ETimes. He founded RK Films in 1948 and delivered classics like Awara (1951), Shree 420 (1955), and Mera Naam Joker (1970). His films blended entertainment with social themes, making him an icon both in India and internationally. Raj Kapoor passed away on June 2, 1988, leaving behind an unparalleled cinematic legacy.
ETimes says that while he was a phenomenal actor, his true genius was in direction. Adarsh says, “As a director, he was extraordinary.”
Shammi and Shashi Kapoor: Defining Bollywood’s Golden Era
Raj’s brothers, Shammi and Shashi Kapoor, also left a lasting impact. Shammi, known for his energetic style, redefined Bollywood romance with hits like Junglee (1961) and Kashmir Ki Kali (1964). Shashi, meanwhile, balanced Bollywood with international cinema, working with James Ivory and Ismail Merchant in films like The Householder (1963) and Heat and Dust (1983).
Rishi Kapoor: Raj’s Hearthrob Son
The Kapoor legacy continued with Rishi Kapoor, Raj’s son, who became the romantic heartthrob of the 1970s. His debut in Bobby (1973) cemented his star status, and he later transitioned into powerful character roles in films like Agneepath(2012) and Mulk (2018).
Randhir and Rajiv Kapoor also contributed as actors and filmmakers, though their careers never reached the same heights.
“He started as the lead man, the lover boy, and later, in his supporting roles, he shone just as brightly — be it in films like Agneepath or D-Day,” Adarsh told ETimes.
“Of the three brothers, Rishi Kapoor was the most successful and a great actor. He definitely took a step forward with his father’s legacy and made his father proud. Now, Rishi Kapoor’s son is set to make his father and grandfather proud with his acting talent, the way he picks his films,” Bansal told ETimes.
4th and 5th Generations: New Heights
The Kapoor influence remains strong with Karisma, Kareena, and Ranbir Kapoor. Karisma was a 1990s superstar with hits like Raja Hindustani (1996), while Kareena became a defining actress of the 2000s with Jab We Met (2007) and Tanu Weds Manu (2011).
Ranbir — “the next superstar of Indian cinema”
Ranbir Kapoor, representing the fifth generation, is considered one of Bollywood’s finest actors. Films like Rockstar (2011), Barfi! (2012), and Sanju (2018) showcase his talent. Many believe he is the true heir to Raj Kapoor’s legacy. Film distributor Raj Bansal told ETimes:
“Ranbir Kapoor will definitely take Raj Kapoor’s legacy much further than the other Kapoors did. He was always keen on taking RK Studios to another level. Unfortunately, before he could do that, the studio was shut down and sold. But I still believe that in the future, Ranbir will emerge as the greatest producer, director, and actor of this country. I see him becoming the next superstar of Indian cinema.”
A Legacy Beyond Cinema
The Kapoors aren’t just a family—they’re a cinematic dynasty that has ruled Bollywood’s heart for nearly a century. From Prithviraj’s pioneering vision to Ranbir’s magnetic screen presence, each generation has reinvented what it means to be a Kapoor while staying true to their storytelling roots. With Ranbir poised to take the family legacy to new heights, one thing is clear: in Bollywood, the Kapoor name isn’t just royalty—it’s box office gold. And if history is any indication, this star-studded family saga is far from over.
Photo credit:
Times of India / ETimes