Full Name: Kareena Kapoor Khan
Date of Birth: September 21, 1980
Place of Birth: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Nationality: Indian
Occupation: Actress, Producer, Author
Active Years: 2000 – Present
Spouse: Saif Ali Khan (Married 2012)
Children: Taimur Ali Khan, Jehangir Ali Khan
Early Life and Family Background
Kareena Kapoor Khan was born into the legendary Kapoor family, often referred to as Bollywood’s first family. She is the younger daughter of Randhir Kapoor and Babita Kapoor, and the granddaughter of the iconic Raj Kapoor. Her elder sister, Karisma Kapoor, was already an established actress when Kareena entered the film industry.
Growing up in a film-oriented family, Kareena was surrounded by cinematic legends from an early age, which deeply influenced her passion for acting. She attended Jamnabai Narsee School in Mumbai, later Welham Girls’ School in Dehradun, and studied commerce at Mithibai College. She even enrolled in law at Government Law College, Mumbai, but left mid-way to pursue her dream of acting.
Early Career and Bollywood Debut
Kareena made her Bollywood debut in 2000 with “Refugee”, directed by J.P. Dutta, opposite Abhishek Bachchan. The film earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut, and critics praised her natural screen presence and expressive eyes.
Though her next few films didn’t fare well at the box office, it was evident that Kareena was destined to become one of Bollywood’s biggest stars.
Breakthrough and Stardom
Kareena’s career took off with the success of “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” (2001), directed by Karan Johar. Her character “Poo” (Pooja) became an instant sensation — glamorous, witty, and confident — setting new style trends among Indian youth.
Over the next few years, she starred in films like:
- “Aitraaz” (2004) – where she impressed with her strong performance in a dramatic role.
- “Chameli” (2003) – as a street prostitute, which earned her critical acclaim and marked a turning point in her career.
- “Dev” (2004) and “Omkara” (2006) – where her acting skills were widely praised, proving her versatility.
Peak Success and Iconic Roles
The late 2000s saw Kareena Kapoor emerging as one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars. Her role as Geet Dhillon in “Jab We Met” (2007), directed by Imtiaz Ali, remains one of her most iconic performances. Her portrayal of a bubbly, talkative, yet emotionally deep woman earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress and cemented her place among the greats.
She continued her success streak with:
- “Tashan” (2008) – where she met her future husband, Saif Ali Khan.
- “Kurbaan” (2009) and “3 Idiots” (2009) – the latter being one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.
- “Bodyguard” (2011), “Ra.One” (2011), and “Heroine” (2012) further showcased her range as both a commercial and serious actress.
Marriage and Motherhood
Kareena married actor Saif Ali Khan on October 16, 2012, in a royal yet private ceremony. Their union brought together two of India’s most celebrated film lineages — the Kapoors and the Pataudis.
The couple has two sons:
- Taimur Ali Khan (born 2016) – who became a media favorite since birth.
- Jehangir Ali Khan (born 2021) – fondly called “Jeh”.
Kareena balanced her motherhood with her career seamlessly, setting an example for working mothers in the entertainment industry.
Recent Work and Continued Success
Even after two decades in the film industry, Kareena continues to reinvent herself. Some of her recent acclaimed works include:
- “Veere Di Wedding” (2018) – a modern women-centric film that became a box-office hit.
- “Good Newwz” (2019) – a comedy-drama where her performance was widely praised.
- “Laal Singh Chaddha” (2022) – opposite Aamir Khan.
- “Jaane Jaan” (2023, Netflix) – her OTT debut, where she played a mysterious character in a gripping thriller.
She is also set to appear in Rohit Shetty’s “Singham Again” (2025), continuing her association with blockbuster franchises.
Style Icon and Brand Endorsements
Kareena Kapoor is considered one of India’s biggest fashion icons. Her effortless blend of traditional and modern style has influenced generations. She has endorsed leading brands such as LUX, Puma, Lakmé, Head & Shoulders, and Malabar Gold & Diamonds.
Her fitness journey, especially post-pregnancy, and her famous “size-zero” phase during Tashan made headlines nationwide. She later embraced body positivity, encouraging women to focus on health over size.
Other Ventures
Apart from acting, Kareena has authored books, including:
- “The Style Diary of a Bollywood Diva” – co-written with Rochelle Pinto.
- “Pregnancy Bible” (2021) – which became a bestseller, offering a candid insight into her motherhood journey.
She also hosts a popular radio show, “What Women Want”, where she discusses social issues, empowerment, and celebrity life with other stars.
Awards and Achievements
Kareena Kapoor Khan has received 6 Filmfare Awards from over 15 nominations. Some of her honors include:
- Best Female Debut – Refugee (2000)
- Best Actress – Jab We Met (2007)
- Best Supporting Actress – We Are Family (2010)
She has also been featured repeatedly on Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list, ranking among the highest-paid actresses in the country.
Personality and Legacy
Known for her candidness, wit, and charisma, Kareena Kapoor Khan is loved by fans and the film fraternity alike. She has successfully evolved from a glamorous star to a mature actress who takes on bold, meaningful roles.
Her journey — from the confident “Poo” to the sensitive “Geet” and the powerful women of her later films — reflects her growth as an artist and as a person. She remains one of the few actresses who have stayed relevant across generations in an ever-changing industry.
Conclusion
Kareena Kapoor Khan is more than a Bollywood actress — she is an institution in herself. With her royal lineage, incredible talent, and relatable charm, she continues to inspire millions. Whether on-screen or off it, Kareena represents confidence, grace, and timeless beauty, making her one of the most iconic stars in Indian cinema history.
