Mumbai: Bollywood’s leading lady, Kareena Kapoor Khan, celebrates her birthday today. Born on September 21, 1980, into the legendary Kapoor family, Kareena carved her own path in cinema and in life, becoming a figure who is admired as much for her performances as for her bold choices.
Kareena made her debut in 2000 with Refugee and quickly rose to prominence with films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Chameli, Jab We Met, Omkara and 3 Idiots. She became a trendsetter with her style and her much-discussed “size zero” look, while her acting versatility brought her critical acclaim and box office success.
Her personal life has often been as much in the spotlight as her career. Early in her journey, Kareena was linked with Hrithik Roshan, a relationship that did not last. She then shared a long and much-publicized romance with Shahid Kapoor, which ended around the time of Jab We Met. In 2007, Saif Ali Khan entered her life, and their relationship drew enormous attention—partly because of the age difference, and partly due to Saif being divorced. In 2012, Kareena married Saif, adopting the name Kareena Kapoor Khan, a decision that ignited debates across social media but which she consistently defended as her personal choice.
Motherhood brought fresh chapters of joy and controversy. The couple’s first son, Taimur Ali Khan, became a media sensation from birth, with his name sparking a storm of public debate over its historical associations. Their second son, Jehangir Ali Khan, affectionately called Jeh, also found himself in headlines. Through both, Kareena and Saif stood firm against criticism, turning the moment into a statement of their independence.
Kareena has never been far from controversy. Her comments on actors being treated like commodities, her choices of scripts and fees, and even speculation about her asking price for playing Sita in a mythological epic have drawn public fire. Yet she has always navigated these storms with a mix of defiance and grace, making her one of Bollywood’s most talked-about personalities.
Today, Kareena Kapoor Khan is not just an actress but also a fashion icon, radio host, and author. Her presence on social media keeps her constantly in the public eye, where her style, fitness regime, and candid glimpses of family life continue to influence millions.
Her journey has always been a blend of glamour, controversy, and courage. Kareena Kapoor Khan stands as proof that true stardom lies not only in cinematic success but also in the ability to live life unapologetically on one’s own terms. On her birthday, her story serves as a reminder that resilience and authenticity often define a legacy more than applause alone.