The Struggles of Babita: A Single Mother in Bollywood
Babita Kapoor, a former actress herself, separated from her husband, popular actor Randhir Kapoor, in 1988. Even though the couple never officially divorced, they lived independently for a considerable period. This meant that the responsibility of raising their two daughters, Karisma and Kareena Kapoor, fell solely on Babita.
Babita, belonging to a middle-class family, had always lived a modest life. She maintained the same lifestyle for her daughters, despite their family’s celebrity status. In an interview, Kareena revealed that they were never made to feel like they came from a “filmy family”.
Despite the separation, Babita never sought financial assistance from the Kapoor family. Instead, she ventured into various small businesses and real estate to provide for her daughters. She taught them the value of hard work and instilled in them a sense of humility.
The Influence of Babita on Kareena’s Career
Babita played a pivotal role in influencing Kareena’s career choices. She was steadfast in her belief that her daughters should pursue acting. Kareena credits her mother for paving the way for her in the film industry. At a time when light-eyed girls were not considered suitable for Bollywood, Babita stood against the tide and advocated for her daughters.
Babita’s influence extended beyond just career choices. She taught Kareena and Karisma to be strong and self-reliant. She was often referred to as the ‘Iron Lady’ for her unwavering determination and strength.
Sacrifices for Stardom: Kareena’s Journey
Kareena started her acting career at a young age. She began shooting for her debut film, ‘Refugee’ when she was only 18. The film was released when she was 20, a time when most teenagers are experiencing college, parties, and sleepovers.
However, Kareena confessed that she had to forego these typical teenage experiences to fulfil her dream of becoming an actress. She admitted that she grew up on the film set, and her life revolved around her work. But she never regretted her choices. Instead, she considered these sacrifices a price she had to pay for her ambition.
Life After Stardom: Kareena Today
Today, Kareena Kapoor Khan is not only a successful actress but also a loving wife and mother. She is married to Saif Ali Khan, and together, they have two children – Taimur and a newborn. She has learned to balance her personal and professional life, thanks to the lessons she learned from her mother.
On the work front, Kareena will be seen in the upcoming film ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’, where she will be reuniting with her ‘3 Idiots’ and ‘Talaash’ co-star Aamir Khan. The film is an official Hindi adaptation of the Hollywood film ‘Forrest Gump’.
The story of Kareena Kapoor Khan and her mother Babita is an inspiration for many. It shows the power of a mother’s love, her determination, and the sacrifices she is willing to make for her children. It also proves that one does not need to come from a privileged background to make it big in Bollywood. All it takes is determination, hard work, and the belief that dreams can come true.