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Karishma Kapoor – Biography, Age, Husband, Movies and Net Worth

Arthur Oliver Davies Thompson • 2026-07-22 • Reviewed by Sofia Lindberg

Karisma Kapoor, often referred to by her nickname Lolo, is an Indian film actress who rose to prominence in the 1990s. She is a prominent member of the Kapoor family, one of the most celebrated dynasties in Indian cinema, and is recognized for her significant contributions to Hindi-language films. Known for her versatility, she delivered several box-office hits and critically acclaimed performances, cementing her status as one of the highest-paid actresses of her generation.

Born on 25 June 1974 in Mumbai, Karisma is the elder daughter of actors Randhir Kapoor and Babita. As of 2026, she is 52 years old. She married businessman Sunjay Kapur in 2003, and the couple later divorced in 2016. They have two children together, a daughter named Samiera and a son named Kiaan. Her career, which began in 1991, is marked by a series of landmark films and numerous awards, including a National Film Award and four Filmfare Awards.

Beyond her professional achievements, she is known for being the first female member of the Kapoor dynasty to pursue a career in acting, breaking away from a long-standing family tradition. Her personal life, including her marriage and divorce, has been the subject of public interest, but she has largely maintained her focus on her children and selective professional engagements.

Who Is Karisma Kapoor? Biography and Background

Karisma Kapoor is an iconic figure whose life and career are closely tied to the history of Bollywood. Her background, family, and career milestones provide a complete picture of her identity.

Name
Karisma Kapoor (also known as Lolo)
Age
52 (born 25 June 1974)
Spouse
Sunjay Kapur (m. 2003; div. 2016)
Occupation
Indian film actress (1990s–2000s)

Here are some key insights into her life and career:

  • Karisma Kapoor is widely regarded as one of the highest-paid actresses of the 1990s in Bollywood.
  • She is the elder daughter of actors Randhir Kapoor and Babita, and sister of Kareena Kapoor Khan.
  • Her marriage to businessman Sanjay Kapur ended in divorce in 2016 after 13 years.
  • She has two children (Samiera and Kiaan Raj Kapur) and remains active on social media and in sporadic film/event appearances.
  • She broke a family taboo by being the first female member of the Kapoor dynasty to pursue acting.
  • Her career breakthrough came with the film Raja Hindustani (1996).
  • She has won both a National Film Award and four Filmfare Awards.
Fact Detail
Full name Karisma Kapoor (birth name: Karisma Randhir Kapoor)
Date of birth 25 June 1974
Age (as of 2026) 52
Spouse Sunjay Kapur (m. 2003; div. 2016)
Children Samiera Kapur (b. 2005), Kiaan Raj Kapur (b. 2010)
Nickname Lolo
Net worth (2025 estimate) Approximately $10–15 million
Notable films Raja Hindustani, Dil To Pagal Hai, Biwi No.1

Who Is Karisma Kapoor’s Husband? Marriage, Divorce, and Family

Karisma Kapoor’s personal life, particularly her marriage and family, has been a topic of significant public interest. She married businessman Sunjay Kapur on 29 September 2003 after dating him for some time. The wedding was a high-profile affair, attended by many members of the film industry and the Kapoor family.

The couple had two children: a daughter, Samiera Kapur, born in 2005, and a son, Kiaan Raj Kapur, born in 2010. However, their marriage faced difficulties, and they separated in 2014. Their divorce was finalized in 2016, marking the end of a 13-year marriage. The reasons for their separation were not publicly detailed, but both have moved on with their respective lives.

Relationship with Akshay Khanna

There have been persistent rumors in the media regarding a relationship between Karisma Kapoor and actor Akshay Khanna. These reports are based on speculative gossip and have never been confirmed by either party. As such, the nature of any relationship between them remains unverified and is not considered established fact.

Family Background

Karisma Kapoor is the elder daughter of actors Randhir Kapoor and Babita. She is the sister of Kareena Kapoor Khan, another leading Bollywood actress. Her paternal grandfather was the legendary actor Raj Kapoor, and her great-grandfather was Prithviraj Kapoor, the patriarch of the Kapoor film dynasty. She was the first female member of this family to take up acting professionally.

What Are the Best Karisma Kapoor Movies? A Filmography Overview

Karisma Kapoor’s filmography is defined by a string of successful films from the 1990s and early 2000s. She made her acting debut in 1991 with the film Prem Qaidi, but it was her role in Raja Hindustani (1996) that catapulted her to superstardom. This film was a major commercial success and established her as a leading lady.

Her performance in Raja Hindustani earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. She followed this with another critically acclaimed performance in Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), which won her a second Filmfare Award. Other notable films from this period include Biwi No.1, Hero No.1, and Judwaa, which showcased her comedic timing and screen presence.

In the early 2000s, she took on more challenging roles in films like Fiza (2000) and Zubeidaa (2001). Her performance in Fiza was widely praised, and she won her third Filmfare Award for Best Actress. For Zubeidaa, she won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress, a testament to her dramatic abilities. Her last major film release was Dangerous Ishhq in 2012, after which she took a break from leading roles. She has since made occasional appearances, including in the film Murder Mubarak.

Award-Winning Performances

Karisma Kapoor’s most celebrated work includes Raja Hindustani (Filmfare Best Actress), Dil To Pagal Hai (Filmfare Best Supporting Actress), Fiza (Filmfare Best Actress), and Zubeidaa (National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress). These four films are considered the pillars of her acting legacy.

What Is Karisma Kapoor’s Net Worth and Career Legacy?

Estimates of Karisma Kapoor’s net worth are not officially confirmed but are frequently reported by entertainment news sources. One estimate suggests her net worth is approximately $12–15 million. This wealth is believed to have been accumulated through her acting career, brand endorsements, and personal investments.

Her career legacy is profound. Alongside Madhuri Dixit, Kajol, and Juhi Chawla, she is considered part of the “big four” actresses who dominated Bollywood in the 1990s. She was a pioneer in playing strong female leads in romantic comedies and dramas. Her decision to act, breaking the Kapoor family’s professional taboo for women, also opened doors for future generations of actresses from the same family, including her sister Kareena.

Note on Financial Estimates

The figure of $12–15 million for her net worth is an estimate and is not consistently confirmed across all credible financial or news sources. It should be treated as an approximation for reference rather than a verified financial statement.

Karisma Kapoor’s Life and Career Timeline

Below is a chronological list of the major events in Karisma Kapoor’s life and career.

  1. 1974: Born in Mumbai to Randhir Kapoor and Babita.
  2. 1991: Film debut in Prem Qaidi.
  3. 1996: Breakthrough hit Raja Hindustani.
  4. 1997: Wins Filmfare award for Dil To Pagal Hai.
  5. 2003: Marries businessman Sanjay Kapur.
  6. 2005: Birth of daughter Samiera.
  7. 2010: Birth of son Kiaan Raj Kapur.
  8. 2012: Last major film role in Dangerous Ishhq.
  9. 2014: Separation from Sanjay Kapur.
  10. 2016: Divorce finalized.
  11. 2020s: Focus on brand endorsements, social media, and occasional web series appearances.

What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear?

When researching public figures, it is important to distinguish between well-established facts and information that remains speculative or unconfirmed.

Established Information Information That Remains Unclear
She married Sanjay Kapur in 2003 and divorced him in 2016. Exact net worth figures vary across sources (approximate $10–15M).
She has two children: Samiera and Kiaan. Rumors of a relationship with Akshay Khanna are unconfirmed and based on speculative reports.
Her date of birth is 25 June 1974. Future film projects are unknown as of 2025.
She had an active film career from 1991 to 2012.

Context and Legacy Within the Kapoor Dynasty

Understanding Karisma Kapoor’s significance requires looking at her role within the larger context of the Kapoor family, a dynasty that has been central to Indian cinema for generations. As the first female member to pursue acting, she broke new ground. Her father, Randhir Kapoor, was a well-known actor, and her grandfather was the legendary Raj Kapoor.

Her career peak in the 1990s coincided with a golden era for Bollywood heroines. She is often credited with helping to redefine the commercial heroine, proving that an actress could be both a box-office draw and a critically acclaimed performer. Her success helped pave the way for her younger sister, Kareena Kapoor, who also became a major star. After her marriage, her film appearances became less frequent, a career slowdown that mirrored broader trends in the industry for leading actresses during that period.

Sources and Quotes

This article draws on a range of established sources for its biographical information and career details.

“I have always believed in being myself and staying grounded.”

— Karisma Kapoor, Interview (2019)

The most consistently supported sources for her filmography and award history include Wikipedia and the Filmfare awards archive. Current activities are often shared via her official Instagram account.

  • Wikipedia: Provides comprehensive filmography and award information.
  • IMDb: Offers a structured bio and filmography.
  • Filmfare: The official archive for her award wins.
  • Getty Images: For event photography and public appearances.

Summary of Karisma Kapoor’s Life and Work

Karisma Kapoor remains a significant figure in Indian cinema, known for her roles in classic 1990s films and her place within the Kapoor family. Her career, which included landmark films like Raja Hindustani and award-winning performances, made her one of Bollywood’s most iconic stars. After her divorce and a career slowdown, she now focuses on her children and makes selective public appearances, maintaining a lasting legacy as a pioneer for actresses in her famous family. For a profile of her sister, see the Kareena Kapoor biography.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Karisma Kapoor’s nickname and why?

She is called “Lolo”, a nickname given by her grandmother.

Is Karisma Kapoor related to Kareena Kapoor?

Yes, Kareena Kapoor is her younger sister.

What is Karisma Kapoor’s highest-grossing movie?

Raja Hindustani (1996) was one of the highest-grossing films of the year.

Does Karisma Kapoor plan to return to acting?

As of 2025, she has no announced major film projects but appears at events and on social media.

When did Karisma Kapoor make her film debut?

She made her debut in 1991 with the film Prem Qaidi.

Who are Karisma Kapoor’s parents?

Her parents are former actors Randhir Kapoor and Babita.

How many Filmfare Awards has Karisma Kapoor won?

She has won four Filmfare Awards.

Did Karisma Kapoor win a National Film Award?

Yes, she won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for Zubeidaa.

Which film won Karisma Kapoor her first Filmfare Award?

She won her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress for the film Raja Hindustani.

What is the profession of Karisma Kapoor’s ex-husband?

Her ex-husband, Sunjay Kapur, is a businessman.

Arthur Oliver Davies Thompson

About the author

Arthur Oliver Davies Thompson

Coverage is updated through the day with transparent source checks.