The Kapoor family tree is synonymous with Bollywood royalty, tracing its roots back to Prithviraj Kapoor, the first member to step into Indian cinema in the 1920s. Over the decades, several generations of the Kapoors have carried forward this legacy, making their mark as actors, directors, and producers. Let’s explore a detailed breakdown of the Kapoor family tree and their contributions to Indian cinema.
Prithviraj Kapoor: The Pioneer of the Kapoor Dynasty
The Kapoor family tree begins with Prithviraj Kapoor, born in 1906 in Peshawar. He became a leading figure in the Indian film industry after debuting in films like Be Dhari Talwar (1929) and Cinema Girl (1930). He laid the foundation of the family’s film legacy, and his three sons, Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, and Shashi Kapoor, went on to become iconic Bollywood actors.
| Prithviraj Kapoor Family | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Raj Kapoor | Son |
| Shammi Kapoor | Son |
| Shashi Kapoor | Son |
| Trilok Kapoor | Brother |
Raj Kapoor: The Showman and His Descendants
Known as the “Showman of Bollywood,” Raj Kapoor took the Kapoor name to new heights with his contributions as an actor, director, and producer. He married Krishna Malhotra in 1946, and the couple had five children.
| Raj Kapoor Family Tree | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Randhir Kapoor | Son, married to Babita |
| Rishi Kapoor | Son, married to Neetu Singh |
| Rajiv Kapoor | Son |
| Ritu Nanda | Daughter, married to Rajan Nanda |
| Reema Jain | Daughter, married to Manoj Jain |
Raj Kapoor’s grandchildren include Bollywood stars Karisma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan, daughters of Randhir Kapoor and Babita. Kareena is married to actor Saif Ali Khan, and they have two sons, Taimur and Jeh Ali Khan. Rishi Kapoor’s son Ranbir Kapoor is also a leading actor, married to Alia Bhatt, and they have a daughter, Raha Kapoor.
| Raj Kapoor’s Grandchildren | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Karisma Kapoor | Randhir Kapoor’s daughter |
| Kareena Kapoor Khan | Randhir Kapoor’s daughter |
| Ranbir Kapoor | Rishi Kapoor’s son |
| Riddhima Kapoor Sahni | Rishi Kapoor’s daughter |
Shammi Kapoor: The Rebel Star and His Lineage
Shammi Kapoor, known for his energetic performances, married actress Geeta Bali and had two children.
| Shammi Kapoor Family Tree | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Aditya Raj Kapoor | Son |
| Kanchan Kapoor | Daughter, married to Ketan Desai |
Shammi later married Neela Devi after Geeta’s passing. Though his children did not have long-lasting Bollywood careers, they remain connected to the film industry.
Shashi Kapoor: The Bridge Between Bollywood and Theatre
Shashi Kapoor married British actress Jennifer Kendal, and together they had three children:
| Shashi Kapoor Family Tree | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Kunal Kapoor | Son, now an ad filmmaker |
| Karan Kapoor | Son, a photographer |
| Sanjana Kapoor | Daughter, former head of Prithvi Theatre |
While his children did not pursue Bollywood careers extensively, Shashi’s daughter Sanjana Kapoor made significant contributions to Indian theatre, managing the Prithvi Theatre for nearly two decades.
Surinder Kapoor: A Cousin’s Legacy
A lesser-known branch of the Kapoor family tree is that of Surinder Kapoor, a cousin of Prithviraj Kapoor. Surinder Kapoor’s family has also made a significant mark in Bollywood. His sons include:
| Surinder Kapoor Family Tree | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Boney Kapoor | Eldest son, producer |
| Anil Kapoor | Son, actor |
| Sanjay Kapoor | Son, actor |
| Reena Kapoor Marwah | Daughter, married to Sandeep Marwah |
Boney Kapoor was married to actress Sridevi and is the father of actors Arjun Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, and Khushi Kapoor. Anil Kapoor, one of Bollywood’s most popular actors, is married to Sunita Kapoor, and they have three children, including Sonam Kapoor, Rhea Kapoor, and Harshvardhan Kapoor.
Notable Relatives in the Kapoor Clan
The Kapoor family tree extends beyond immediate relations, with several distant relatives connected to Bollywood.
| Notable Relatives | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Kamal Kapoor | Prithviraj Kapoor’s maternal cousin |
| Subbiraj | Son of Prithviraj Kapoor’s sister, actor |
| Salma Agha | Pakistani actress, connected via step-family |
The Fourth and Fifth Generations of the Kapoor Family
The Kapoor family tree continues to grow, with the younger generations becoming prominent in Bollywood:
| Fourth Generation | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Karisma Kapoor | Actress, Randhir Kapoor’s daughter |
| Kareena Kapoor Khan | Actress, Randhir Kapoor’s daughter |
| Ranbir Kapoor | Actor, Rishi Kapoor’s son |
| Janhvi Kapoor | Actress, Boney Kapoor’s daughter |
| Shanaya Kapoor | Rising star, Sanjay Kapoor’s daughter |
The fifth generation, including Taimur Ali Khan, Jeh Ali Khan, and Raha Kapoor, already garner public attention, ensuring that the Kapoor family’s presence in Bollywood continues.
Conclusion – Kapoor family tree
The Kapoor family tree is a testament to the enduring legacy of Bollywood’s first family. With members across generations excelling in acting, production, and theatre, the Kapoors have firmly established themselves as an integral part of Indian cinema’s history and future.
By understanding the connections between the various branches of the Kapoor family tree, we gain insight into how this family has shaped Bollywood over the decades, and how its younger members are carrying the torch forward.