Dimple Kapadia: A Legendary Journey
Early Life & Background
- Full Name: Dimple Chunnibhai Kapadia
- Born: June 8, 1957
- Birthplace: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Parents: Chunnibhai Kapadia (businessman) & Betty Kapadia
- Siblings: Simple Kapadia (actress & costume designer)
Dimple was raised in a traditional Gujarati family. She was discovered by legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor, who cast her in Bobby (1973), making her an overnight sensation.
Film Career & Stardom
Breakthrough with Bobby (1973)
- Made her debut at 16 opposite Rishi Kapoor in Bobby.
- The film was a massive hit, introducing a new era of romance and style in Bollywood.
- Dimple’s bold portrayal and fashionable look made her a youth icon.
Early Marriage & Retirement
- Soon after Bobby’s success, she married superstar Rajesh Khanna in 1973.
- She left Bollywood at the peak of her career to focus on family life.
- Became a mother to Twinkle Khanna (author & wife of Akshay Kumar) and Rinke Khanna (former actress).
Comeback & Second Innings (1980s–1990s)
After separating from Rajesh Khanna, Dimple returned to films in 1984, proving her versatility in both commercial and art-house cinema.
Major Films & Acclaimed Performances
- Saagar (1985) – Marked her comeback and won her Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
- Kaash (1987), Drishti (1990) – Showcased her acting depth.
- Lekin… (1991) – A critically acclaimed performance in a Gulzar-directed film.
- Rudaali (1993) – Won National Film Award for Best Actress for her intense portrayal.
- Krantiveer (1994) – Another award-winning role as a strong-willed journalist.
She balanced mainstream hits with bold, unconventional roles, earning respect in parallel cinema.
Later Career & International Recognition (2000s–Present)
Dimple continued to evolve, taking on character-driven roles in modern Bollywood and even international projects.
Notable Films
- Dil Chahta Hai (2001) – Played a graceful yet melancholic role, loved by audiences.
- Being Cyrus (2006) – A psychological drama showcasing her range.
- Cocktail (2012), Finding Fanny (2014) – Showed her versatility in modern cinema.
- Christopher Nolan’s Tenet (2020) – Made her Hollywood debut, receiving global recognition.
- Pathaan (2023) – Played a key supporting role in the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer.
Personal Life & Legacy
- Marriage & Separation: Married Rajesh Khanna in 1973, but the relationship was turbulent. They never formally divorced.
- Daughters: Twinkle Khanna & Rinke Khanna.
- Known for her beauty, grace, bold choices, and independent spirit.
- A trendsetter in fashion, she inspired many generations with her style.
Dimple Kapadia remains an icon of Indian cinema, redefining the journey of a Bollywood actress across decades.
