The Kapoor family is often referred to as the first family of Indian cinema. From grandfathers and fathers to uncles and nephews, generations of this illustrious family have ruled Bollywood. With their rise dating back to the very beginnings of Hindi cinema, the Kapoor name has become synonymous with stardom.
Yet, despite their legacy of male superstars, the family has long faced criticism for not encouraging their daughters and daughters-in-law to pursue acting careers. Some who did venture into films gave it all up after marriage. Two notable examples are Babita Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor, both of whom were successful actresses before marriage. However, both women stepped away from the limelight after joining the Kapoor household. This pattern reinforced the belief that the family preferred to keep their women away from the world of cinema.
However, Babita eventually broke tradition by choosing a different path for her daughters. She distanced herself from the Kapoor family and carved out a new future for her children. As a result, Karisma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor not only entered Bollywood but also became top-tier actresses, proving that talent ran equally through the Kapoor daughters.
In contrast, Riddhima Kapoor, daughter of Neetu Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor, chose a quieter life. While her cousins dominated the silver screen, Riddhima remained firmly out of the limelight.
With her striking looks and poise, many believed she had all the makings of a film star, but she never pursued it.
According to Rishi Kapoor’s autobiography Khullam Khulla, Neetu Kapoor revealed that Riddhima never openly expressed her desire to act, largely due to her father’s reservations. She feared disappointing him or facing his disapproval. Although Neetu had faith in her daughter’s potential, she respected Riddhima’s silence and choices.
Rishi Kapoor, protective by nature, was deeply concerned about the world of glamour. Having experienced the pitfalls of stardom, he feared the emotional toll it could take on his daughter.
Instead of following her cousins into cinema, Riddhima pursued a career in fashion and jewellery design. Educated in London, she received several film offers during her student years, but life took a different turn. By the time she returned to India, marriage was on the horizon, and acting never became part of the conversation.
In interviews, Riddhima herself has said that films were never a topic she brought up at home, despite the many opportunities that came her way in her youth.
Though she didn’t take the Kapoor name to the screen, Riddhima carved out a respected identity in the world of design. Her journey shows that not all legacies need to follow the same path, and sometimes, choosing silence is its own form of strength.
