Bollywood icon Karisma Kapoor, renowned for her roles in evergreen films such as “Andaz Apna Apna,” “Coolie No.1,” and “Raja Hindustani,” recently shed light on the cinematic industry’s substantial evolution over the past several decades. As one of the judges on the popular dance reality show, ‘India’s Best Dancer Season 4,’ alongside choreographers Terence Lewis and Geeta Kapoor, the actress took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, recalling how the film industry has transformed over the last 40-50 years.
In a heartfelt remembrance, Karisma shared that her debut film in 1991, “Prem Qaidi,” marked the early days of her career, which were starkly different from today’s standards. “Back then, we didn’t have the luxury of vanity vans,” she said. “We would often change our outfits behind trees and sometimes even managed restroom breaks in the most unconventional places.”
Karisma recounted her first experience with on-set technology during the making of the 1997 blockbuster “Dil To Pagal Hai.” It was during the “dance of envy” scene that she first encountered a monitor on set, introduced by the legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra. The director, along with Aditya Chopra and Uday Chopra, was present on the set when the cast, including Karisma, marveled at the possibility of viewing their performance immediately after a take. “We were truly amazed. It was groundbreaking for us, being able to see exactly what we had just done,” she remarked.
She also reflected on the first time she worked on a film using sync-sound technology with the movie “Zubeidaa,” directed by Shyam Benegal. It signified a giant leap for the Hindi film industry as it shifted away from traditional studio dubbing. “It was a pivotal moment in our industry. We wore lapel mics to capture real-life sound directly from the set. It brought a new level of depth and immersion to the scenes,” Karisma explained.
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The actress emphasized that these technological advancements, from on-set monitors to sync-sound audio, have not only improved the filmmaking process but significantly enhanced the viewing experience for audiences. “These developments were milestones in our journey, making scenes more authentic and adding greater narrative depth,” she continued.
The contrast between the industry’s past and present became evident during her observations on the current production environment. “The number of vanity vans parked outside the sets nowadays is astonishing. It’s a stark difference from my early days when we had no such facilities,” she noted. This evolution, she asserted, speaks volumes about the numerous advancements that have shaped modern Bollywood.
Karisma Kapoor’s reflections are not just a personal recount but also a chronicle of the film industry’s progressive transformation over nearly half a century. The actress believes these changes symbolize wider societal advancements and shifts in professional standards within the industry. Her career trajectory, beginning at the tender age of 16, serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability required in an ever-evolving cinematic landscape.
During her tenure as a judge on ‘India’s Best Dancer 4,’ Karisma often imparts her wealth of experience to contestants, highlighting the hard work and perseverance required to succeed in today’s entertainment world. She recognizes how technological and infrastructural advancements have eased certain aspects of filmmaking but maintains that the essence of dedication remains the same.
As Karisma Kapoor continues to contribute to the industry, her recollections of an era without vanity vans and immediate performance reviews provide invaluable insights into the difficulties faced by actors in earlier times and underscore the magnitude of the progress that has been made. Her reflections serve both as an archival recount of Bollywood’s rich history and as an educational narrative for future generations aiming to make their mark in the film industry.
In all, Karisma’s journey from the humble beginnings of “Prem Qaidi” to becoming one of the industry’s stalwarts illuminates the incredible advancements and transformative changes that Bollywood has undergone. It stands as a reminder of the vibrant, ever-changing nature of the cinematic world, continually revolutionizing to offer a more immersive, rich, and authentic experience to its audiences.
