Long before Karisma, another Kapoor woman was winning hearts in Bollywood with her charisma.
It’s no secret that the Kapoor family has shaped Bollywood for generations, starting with Prithviraj Kapoor, followed by the legendary Raj Kapoor, then Rishi Kapoor, and now Ranbir Kapoor. But when it comes to the women of this legendary clan, the spotlight has mostly been limited. It's widely believed that Karisma Kapoor was the first Kapoor woman to enter Bollywood. In fact, even a quick Google search will tell you the same, with articles from top publications backing the claim. However, that’s not true. Long before Karisma stepped into the industry, a young Kapoor girl had already made her way to the silver screen. She didn’t go on to become a superstar, but she was the first.
So today, on Karisma Kapoor’s 51st birthday, let’s set the record straight and shine a light on the forgotten Kapoor woman who truly came first.
Born to the legendary Raj Kapoor and Krishna Raj Kapoor, Ritu Kapoor (Nanda) was the first Kapoor woman in Bollywood. At just five, she appeared in one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic songs, "Pyaar Hua Iqrar Hua", in 'Shree 420'. Although her role was small, her presence was unforgettable, to say the least. That innocent face peeking under the umbrella added a special charm to a song already brimming with magic.
Credit: Ishtar Music
But unfortunately, that’s where her film journey ended. Ritu chose a different life. She married industrialist Rajan Nanda in 1969 and went on to become a successful businesswoman, leading the Nanda Group with grace. Bollywood lost a potential star, but the corporate world gained a trailblazer. And notably, her son, Nikhil Nanda, is married to Shweta Bachchan, connecting the Kapoor and Bachchan families in real life too.
Randhir Kapoor , Ritu Kapoor ( Nanda ) & Rishi Kapoor on the set of ‘Shree 420’ 1955
— Moses Sapir (@MosesSapir) March 24, 2021
RK studio shooting of the song ‘Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua Hai’ @SrBachchan pic.twitter.com/YBdrysgSC2
Credit: Moses Sapir
During the 1990s, Karisma Kapoor came onto the scene with 'Prem Qaidi' at just 16. With blockbusters like 'Raja Hindustani' and 'Dil To Pagal Hai', she quickly became one of the most celebrated actresses of her time. For many, she was the first Kapoor woman in Bollywood. Even Google will tell you that.
So how did Ritu’s appearance get forgotten? Simple. Karisma’s career was big and everywhere. In contrast, Ritu’s cameo was just a blink. Since she never pursued acting professionally, her moment faded from public memory. Karisma’s stardom overshadowed that tiny but significant spark, and over time, history got rewritten, although not quite accurately.
Ritu Nanda ji with brothers Randhir Kapoor & Rishi Kapoor in Raj Kapoor’s film ‘Shree 420’
— Moses Sapir (@MosesSapir) January 15, 2020
Song ‘Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua Hai’ @SrBachchan pic.twitter.com/1ww1qNpIE9
Credit: Moses Sapir
While Kapoor men (Prithviraj, Raj, Shammi, Shashi, Rishi, Ranbir) have dominated the silver screen, their female counterparts have mostly stayed away. Apart from Karisma, Kareena, and now Riddhima Kapoor Sahni (who’s entering production), most Kapoor women haven’t chased the arc lights.
But why? Partly because of the times. In the early decades, cinema wasn’t considered a space for women from “respectable” families. Even within Bollywood’s royal family, there were unspoken rules. Many, like Ritu or Reema Jain, chose lives outside the spotlight, focusing on family, business, or philanthropy. As Kareena once said, “Kapoor women are strong, but we pick our battles, some on screen, some off it.”
However, it’s worth noting that while only a few Kapoor women have entered the film industry, the men in the family have often married leading actresses. As Karisma once pointed out in an interview, “Well, I think that will be a choice. My whole family is full of actors and actresses. My father and his brother have married heroines. So if they could marry heroines, why can't they work? It's the same thing.” This suggests that the Kapoor men weren’t necessarily against the women working in films; it was more about personal choice than family restrictions.
Happy Birthday, Karisma!
