Mumbai: Actor Karisma Kapoor recently shared lesser-known insights about her great grandfather, legendary actor Prithviraj Kapoor, during an emotional episode of the popular singing reality show Indian Idol.
The moment unfolded after a soulful performance by contestant Jyotirmayee Naik, who sang the iconic song Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya from the classic film Mughal-E-Azam, leaving Karisma visibly moved.
A journey from law to cinema
Reflecting on Prithviraj Kapoor’s early life, Karisma revealed that he initially pursued law before following his passion for acting.
“I don’t know if many people know that Prithviraj ji earlier was a law student. He was so fond of acting that he came to Mumbai, then called Bombay,” she said.
She highlighted the struggles he faced before achieving success, noting that his determination eventually led him to become one of the pioneers of Indian cinema.
A pioneer of Indian film industry
Karisma also pointed out that Prithviraj Kapoor was part of Alam Ara, India’s first talkie film, marking a significant milestone in cinematic history. She further noted that Mughal-E-Azam, in which he played Emperor Akbar, later became one of the most celebrated films in Indian cinema, eventually being colourised years after its original release.
His portrayal of Akbar is widely regarded as one of the finest performances in Bollywood history, cementing his place as a foundational figure in the industry.
Kapoor family legacy
Prithviraj Kapoor’s contribution goes beyond his individual performances, as he laid the foundation for one of Bollywood’s most influential film dynasties. He was the father of legendary actors Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, and Shashi Kapoor.
His legacy has been carried forward across generations, including grandchildren like Randhir Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor, and great-grandchildren such as Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Ranbir Kapoor.
Tribute on the show
Host Aditya Narayan also paid a heartfelt tribute to the late icon during the episode. He praised Prithviraj Kapoor’s immense contribution to Indian cinema, stating that his influence helped shape the industry into what it is today.
He remarked that without Prithviraj Kapoor, there would have been no Kapoor legacy, nor institutions like RK Studios or Prithvi Theatre, both of which have played a significant role in nurturing Indian cinema and theatre.
Emotional moment on stage
Karisma Kapoor also applauded contestant Jyotirmayee Naik for her rendition, saying, “Thank you so much, you have beautifully rendered it today.” The performance and subsequent reflections turned the episode into a nostalgic tribute to one of the founding pillars of Hindi cinema.
Conclusion
The episode served as a reminder of Prithviraj Kapoor’s enduring legacy, not just as an actor but as a pioneer who helped shape the foundations of Indian cinema. Through Karisma Kapoor’s heartfelt recollections, viewers were given a glimpse into the struggles, achievements and lasting impact of a legend whose influence continues to resonate across generations.
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