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 and trade analyst Taran Adarsh, film distributor Raj Bansal, and scriptwriter-filmmaker Rumy Jafry shed light on the multifaceted legacy of this cinematic dynasty in exclusive interviews with ETimes.
Described by Taran Adarsh as a “master storyteller,” Raj Kapoor remains a cornerstone of Indian cinema. His films, including Awaara, Mera Naam Joker, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, and Prem Rog, have transcended time and cultural boundaries. “Raj Kapoor started very young, and the films he made are timeless and relevant even today, even after 50, 60, or 70 years. If you notice, his entire body of work is impressive. Every film he made was exceptional. Raj Kapoor was a great actor, but in my opinion, he was an even greater director. He was a master storyteller, far superior as a director than as an actor. That being said, he was a wonderful actor as well,” Adarsh remarked.
While Raj Kapoor was a phenomenal actor, Adarsh believes his true genius lay in direction. “As a director, he was extraordinary. The subjects he chose were very different and unique,” he said. Whether addressing social issues or crafting visually stunning narratives, Kapoor’s films resonate deeply even decades after their release. Adarsh stated how Raj Kapoor brought “something new to the table” with each project. “Even if you watch his films after 20, 30, or 40 years, the stories still resonate. They are timeless,” he added.
“As for the contributions of Randhir, Rishi, and Rajiv Kapoor, I think Rishi Kapoor had a bigger contribution. Randhir started out as an actor-director with Kal Aaj Aur Kal, where he directed three generations. It has happened only once in the history of Bollywood: Raj Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, and Randhir Kapoor, all in one film. That was Randhir’s directorial debut. Just imagine directing two big names in his very first film – his grandfather and father,” Adarsh remarked.
As for Rishi Kapoor, he had a remarkable career as an actor. “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 noted.
Raj Bansal echoed this sentiment, describing Rishi’s transformation from a romantic hero to a compelling character actor as “extraordinary.” “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 stated.
Not every Kapoor has experienced equal success. Randhir Kapoor and Rajiv Kapoor, while talented, did not achieve the same heights as Raj or Rishi Kapoor. Adarsh pointed out that Rajiv Kapoor’s potential as an actor was often overshadowed by the commercial performance of his films. “Unfortunately, when a film doesn’t perform well, even good actors are sidelined,” Jafry noted.
Adding to this, Jafry further said, “Rishi Kapoor has been a celebrity since the beginning of the industry. That’s why Rishi Kapoor kept working. Even Dabooji (Randhir Kapoor) was a celebrity and continued to work, then became a director. Chimpu Kapoor did some big films like Ram Teri Ganga Maili, but unfortunately, those films didn’t sustain. A film’s success depends on many factors – subject, director, and story. That’s why Chimpu didn’t have as many successful projects as others.”
He further added, “Rishi Kapoor always remained a sought-after actor. Even when he transitioned into character roles, he still had great demand. Today, Ranbir Kapoor, despite a few early flops, became a star. He went from being an actor to a true superstar. Talent is like flowing water – it finds its way. He was talented from the start.”
Ranbir Kapoor: The flagbearer of the Kapoor legacy
As the latest Kapoor to take the reins, Ranbir Kapoor has proven himself a formidable force in modern Bollywood. With films like Barfi, Sanju, and Rockstar, he has demonstrated an ability to balance mass appeal with artistic integrity. Adarsh believes Ranbir has the potential to become Indian cinema’s next superstar.
“To me, if there is a next superstar, it’s Ranbir Kapoor. Of course, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan have ruled the game for decades now, but sooner or later, I think Ranbir will take over because he has the talent. What he has realized is that he’s working in films that reach a wider audience. Whether it’s Animal, or the upcoming Ramayana (parts one and two), Ranbir is making wise choices,” he asserted, adding, “Ranbir’s approach to work has changed. In the past, I didn’t fully agree with some of his film choices, like Rockstar and Tamasha. Though he was excellent in those films, they had limitations.”
While acknowledging early missteps like Jagga Jasoos, Adarsh commended Ranbir for learning from experience. “I was also very happy when he signed a film with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. I remember telling Sanjay that I’m happy these two major forces are reuniting. For me, Ranbir and Bhansali together after Saawariya holds a lot of significance. I think they’re both dynamic talents, and when Ranbir reunites with Sanjay Leela Bhansali after a long time, it will be something special on the big screen,” Adarsh said.
“As for direction, well, he began as an assistant director for his father in Aa Ab Laut Chalen and later assisted Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Black. While direction is something that can come later, I believe Ranbir’s core strength is his acting. He should focus on that for now and enjoy his peak phase. Let him continue learning from the many directors he’s working with, like Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Nitish Tiwari, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Each one of them will teach him something valuable, and that’s very important for his growth,” he added.
Bansal lauded Ranbir’s courage in choosing unconventional projects. “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,” he said.
He continued, “Ranbir has shown immense guts in choosing such cinema. Every actor does commercial cinema, but Ranbir ventured into films like Rockstar and Burfi, which were risky and unconventional. He put his career on the line with these films. He didn’t go for typical action roles until Animal or maybe one or two more films. He had confidence in his acting talent, and he proved his choices were right.”
Praising Ranbir’s versatility, Jafry stated, “Every era has actors who select diverse roles. Today, the audience that a producer is targeting with Ranbir’s films needs something fresh and new. I’m happy that Ranbir is playing such versatile roles. Whether it’s Animal or Ramayana, the kind of roles he’s taking on are different. I’m glad he’s not afraid to experiment. He played a character in Barfi, and through that role, he proved that he can carry on Raj Kapoor’s legacy.”
The Kapoor family legacy
The Kapoor family’s legacy is unparalleled. From Prithviraj Kapoor’s early contributions to Shashi Kapoor’s international acclaim, and from Shammi Kapoor’s exuberant performances to Karisma and Kareena Kapoor’s trailblazing careers, the family has dominated Bollywood for nearly a century. “The Kapoor legacy is like a relay race,” Rumy Jafry observed. “One generation passes the baton to the next, ensuring the continuity of excellence.”
Jafry recalled a significant moment when a stamp commemorating Raj Kapoor was issued. At the event, Pramod Mahajan, then a government minister, stated, “I believe in two royal families: the Nehru-Gandhi family in politics and the Kapoor family in cinema.”
The younger members of the Kapoor family, including Kunal Kapoor’s son Zahan Kapoor and later Karisma, Kareena and Ranbir’s children will grow up and are poised to carry forward the legacy. Rima’s children haven’t had such big hits, but they’re still working. “The Kapoor family will always have a place in the industry. Every Indian, every Hindi film lover, wants to see the Kapoor family in films,” Jafry predicted.
Comparing Raj Kapoor and Ranbir’s choices of roles, Jafry said, “When a hero introduces himself, he does so in his best role. Raj Kapoor’s first film, Aag, has a hero’s introduction scene where his face appears on screen as if it is burnt. That’s Prithviraj Kapoor’s son being introduced to the world, and his face is burnt. So, Ranbir too played a role who is deaf and mute, and it’s a superhit film.”
The baton of the Kapoor family’s cinematic legacy now rests with Ranbir Kapoor. As Adarsh aptly summarized, “What began with Prithviraj Kapoor, then Raj Kapoor, and Rishi Kapoor, is now with Ranbir Kapoor. He’s carrying the torch forward and taking it higher, and that’s a big achievement.”