Reflecting on Bollywood’s early luminaries, several names resonate with the glitz and glamour of stardom acquired at a tender age—Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Singh, Hrithik Roshan, and Kajol loom large amongst the legends. Amongst these storied ranks once walked an actress who became a sensation after her debut at 16, only to see her stardom eclipse under the shadows of early marriage and motherhood.
The tale of Dimple Kapadia begins in the bustling city of Bombay, where she was born in June 1957 to a prosperous Gujarati businessman. Though initially called Ameena, she became famous as Dimple. At the raw age of 14, Raj Kapoor chose her to star in “Bobby,” a film crafted to launch his son Rishi Kapoor. During the filming in 1972, a whirlwind romance blossomed between Dimple and Rajesh Khanna, Bollywood’s reigning superstar, even as he stood 15 years her senior. By 1973, 15-year-old Dimple and 30-year-old Khanna were wed in opulence. Their first child was soon on its way. When “Bobby” premiered that September, it not only became that year’s top Indian grosser, but also marked the end of Dimple’s fledgling film career, as she stepped away from the limelight in accordance with her husband’s wishes.
Dimple Kapadia’s conjugal life with Rajesh Khanna was a voyage marred with tumultuous waves. They parted ways in 1982 yet never formally untied their nuptial knot. In a stark 1985 exchange with India Today, Dimple reflected, “The life and happiness in our house came to an end the day I and Rajesh got married.” Allegations of Khanna’s infidelity emerged, none of which he disputed. Post-separation, Dimple denounced the marriage as a ‘farce’.
1984 heralded Dimple’s silver screen return with “Saagar,” which saw her reunite with Rishi Kapoor in a prominent role. Her ensuing decade witnessed a resurgence of her stardom through a repertoire that spanned commercial hits like “Arjun” and “Janbaaz,” as well as critically lauded pieces like “Rudaali” and “Lekin.”
As the millennium neared and her roles as a leading lady thinned, Dimple pivoted creatively, venturing into entrepreneurship. She channeled her passions into artisanal candle design, launching The Faraway Tree, her very own brand—a pursuit that endures.
The passage into the new century marked Dimple’s adept shift to supporting characters, gracing the screen in acclaimed films such as “Dil Chahta Hai,” “Luck By Chance,” “Cocktail,” “Dabangg,” “Brahmastra,” and “Pathaan.” She made a groundbreaking international debut at 62 by joining the cast of Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” in 2020. As of 2024, Dimple continues her acting prowess, with recent appearances in “Murder Mubarak” and “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.”
Dimple Kapadia’s journey from a teen idol, through the upheavals of personal struggles, and a rejuvenated career that spans over decades is a testament to her resilience and enduring charisma. Her transition from Bollywood to the international stage exemplifies the growth of not just an actress, but of an art that transcends geographical boundaries and cultures.
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