Kapoor

Kapoor is a surname of Punjabi origin commonly used by Hindu and Sikh communities in North India. It is often rendered as Kapoor, with Kapur as a common variant. The name is traditionally linked to the Punjabi word for camphor and has become a widely used family name in India and among the Indian diaspora.

In Indian cinema, Kapoor denotes one of the most prominent film families in Bollywood. The patriarch Prithviraj Kapoor established a theatre and film presence, which was carried forward by his sons Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, and Shashi Kapoor. Raj Kapoor became a renowned actor, director, and producer, and his family line continued with filmmakers and actors such as Randhir Kapoor and his daughters Karisma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan. The Kapoor dynasty has been associated with influential works in Indian cinema and with production ventures like RK Films, contributing to the development of Hindi cinema through multiple generations.

Outside the film industry, Kapoor is a common surname across northern India and among Indian communities worldwide. Spelling variants such as Kapur appear in various regions and among the diaspora, reflecting the name’s broad cultural reach beyond cinema.