Karisma Kapoor

Karisma Kapoor (pronounced /kəˈrɪzmə kəˈpuːr, kəˈrɪʃmə/; born 25 June 1974) is an Indian actress who primarily appears in Hindi films. One of the leading and highest-paid actresses of the 1990s, she became the first female member of the Kapoor family to pursue an acting career. Kapoor is the recipient of several accolades, including a National Film Award and four Filmfare Awards.

A part of the Kapoor family, Kapoor was born to actors Randhir Kapoor and Babita. She made her acting debut with a leading role in the moderately successful Prem Qaidi (1991). She went on to star in box office hits such as the dramas Jigar (1992) and Anari (1993), the comedies Raja Babu (1994), Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Coolie No. 1 (1995) and Saajan Chale Sasural (1996), and the thriller Jeet (1996). The 1996 blockbuster romance Raja Hindustani marked a turning point in Kapoor's career, earning her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. She later won the National Film Award and Filmfare Award for her role as a passionate dancer in the musical romance Dil To Pagal Hai (1997). Kapoor achieved further success by featuring as the female in three David Dhawan's successful romantic comedies—Hero No.1 (1997), Biwi No.1 (1999), and Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge (2000) and in Sooraj Barjatya's highly successful family drama Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999). She won the Filmfare Best Actress and Best Actress Critics awards at Filmfare for her titular roles in the dramas Fiza (2000) and Zubeidaa (2001).

Kapoor took a sabbatical from full-time acting in 2004 and has since appeared sporadically, including the web series Mentalhood (2020) and the mystery thriller Murder Mubarak (2024) and Brown (2026). She also played the titular character in the television series Karishma: The Miracles of Destiny (2003–2004) and has served as a judge on several reality shows.

Kapoor was married to businessman Sunjay Kapur from 2003–2016; the couple had two children. Her personal life has been extensively covered in the media. In addition to acting, Kapoor participates in stage shows and is a prominent celebrity endorser.