Karisma Kapoor
Karisma Kapoor is an Indian actor, best known for Tamil cinema. Karisma Kapoor began their career in 1991 and has been a prominent figure in the industry for over 35 years. With over 90 credits to their name, Karisma Kapoor remains one of the most prolific and celebrated talents in the industry. Spanning 30+ years, Karisma Kapoor's career remains one of the longest and most celebrated in Tamil cinema.
- Born
Biography
Karisma Kapoor often informally referred to as Lolo, is an Indian actress who appears in Bollywood films. Part of the Kapoor family, she is the daughter of actors Randhir Kapoor and Babita. Kapoor made her acting debut at the age of seventeen with Prem Qaidi in 1991. She subsequently featured in several commercially successful films such as Jigar (1992), Anari (1993), Raja Babu, Suhaag (1994), Coolie No. 1, Gopi Kishan (1995), Saajan Chale Sasural & Jeet (1996).\r\n\r\nIn 1996, Kapoor earned her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Raja Hindustani, her biggest commercial success, and later received the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the romantic drama Dil To Pagal Hai (1997). She went on to play the leading role in the critically acclaimed projects, Fiza (2000) and Zubeidaa (2001), for which she earned the Best Actress and Best Actress (Critics) trophies at the Filmfare ceremony. Having done so, Kapoor has established herself as one of the leading actresses of Hindi cinema. She has been considered as one of the most beautiful women in Bollywood and a sex symbol. Vogue states that in the past decade, Kapoor has become a nationally recognized style icon.\r\n\r\nDuring her career, Kapoor has received one National Film Award and four Filmfare Awards, among six nominations. In addition to acting in films, Kapoor has played the leading role in the television series, Karishma - The Miracles of Destiny (2003) and has also featured as a talent judge for the reality shows, Nach Baliye and Hans Baliye.
Personal Info
Career Milestones
Film debut
View film →Highest rated: Andaz Apna Apna (7.5)
View film →50th film
View film →Iconic Roles
Dil To Pagal Hai
A vibrant, independent dancer who becomes part of a love triangle in a stage production.
Andaz Apna Apna
One of the two wealthy heiresses pursued by the film's protagonists in this cult comedy.
Defining Moments
Film Debut
Made her acting debut in Bollywood with the film 'Prem Qaidi' at the age of seventeen.
National Film Award
Won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in 'Dil To Pagal Hai'.
Critical Acclaim for 'Fiza'
Received widespread critical praise and a Filmfare Award for her powerful performance in the drama 'Fiza'.
Filmography
See all 90 credits →
Career Analytics
Genre Breakdown
Language Distribution
Films by Decade
Top Co-Actors
See all →
Did You Know?
Karisma Kapoor is the first actress from the Kapoor family to win a National Film Award, which she received for Best Actress for her role in 'Dil To Pagal Hai'.
She is often nicknamed 'Lolo' by the media and her fans.
She is the elder sister of actress Kareena Kapoor Khan.
She made her acting debut at age 17 in the 1991 film 'Prem Qaidi'.
She won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her performance in 'Fiza' (2000).
Photos
See all →No photos available.
Legacy & Influence
Karisma Kapoor emerged as a defining star of 1990s Bollywood, successfully transitioning from early commercial roles to becoming one of the industry's most respected and versatile actresses. Her career trajectory is marked by a significant evolution, beginning with glamorous leads in action and romance films to delivering powerful, critically acclaimed performances that expanded the scope for mainstream heroines. A pivotal contribution was her ability to balance commercial success with substantial roles, challenging the era's stereotype of the female lead as merely decorative. Her performance in 'Dil To Pagal Hai' (1997) as the ambitious, resilient Nisha showcased a modern, independent woman and earned her the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress, a rare feat for a mainstream star at the time. Films like 'Fiza' (2000) and 'Zubeidaa' (2001) further cemented her reputation for dramatic depth, with the latter showcasing her range in a complex biographical role. Kapoor is also credited with pioneering the 'girl-next-door' action heroine archetype through the successful 'Raja Hindustani' (1996) and the 'Hero No. 1' (1997) brand of cinema, proving her immense box-office draw. Her comic timing, notably in 'Andaz Apna Apna' (1994), remains iconic. By consistently choosing roles that offered both popularity and substance, Karisma Kapoor paved the way for future actresses to demand more layered characters, solidifying her legacy as a talented performer who helped redefine the commercial Hindi film heroine in a transformative decade for the industry.