Kapoors

The Kapoors are a prominent Indian film dynasty known for spanning several generations of actors, directors, and producers in Bollywood. The lineage begins with Prithviraj Kapoor (1888–1972), an actor who established the Prithvi Theatre group in 1944 and became the patriarch of a family long associated with Indian cinema.

Prithviraj's sons Raj Kapoor (1924–1988) and Shashi Kapoor (1938–2017) built influential careers in film. Raj Kapoor became a celebrated actor, director, and producer, founding RK Films and RK Studios in Mumbai; his films such as Awaara, Shree 420, and Mera Naam Joker are regarded as classics. Shashi Kapoor also achieved prominence as an actor in Hindi cinema and later as a producer under the family banner.

Raj Kapoor's son Randhir Kapoor (born 1947) is a filmmaker and actor, and Randhir's children include Rishi Kapoor (1952–2020) and Kareena Kapoor Khan (b. 1980), Karisma Kapoor (b. 1974), and Ranbir Kapoor (b. 1982). Rishi Kapoor's career spanned from the late 1960s to the 2010s, while Ranbir Kapoor emerged as a leading actor in the 2010s and 2020s. Kareena and Karisma have both become prominent film actresses in their own right.

The Kapoor family has influenced the style and production of Hindi cinema, known for their on-screen charisma, musical collaborations, and the use of family-run film banners. The dynasty has also contributed to theatre and acting training in its early years, reflecting a broader tradition of performing arts within the family.

Overall, the Kapoors illustrate the enduring connection between family networks and the Bollywood film industry, with multiple members maintaining the family’s presence across decades.