Karisma Kapoor

Karisma Kapoor, torchbearer of the famous Kapoor Khandaan in Bollywood, daughter of Babita and Randhir Kapoor, elder sister of Kareena Kapoor, carved a niche for herself in the industry by her refreshing new style and acting capabilities. Spanning a career from "Prem Qaidi" to "Fiza", Karisma Kapoor aka Lolo has come a long way.

An awkward looking Karisma took centrestage at the tender age of 17 in D Rama Naidu's romance, 'Prem Qaidi' (1991), opposite Southern actor Harish. A steady stream of flops followed its moderate success till finally, another Southern hit, 'Anari' (1993) bailed her out. After which started the beginning of her association with Govinda. Together with David Dhawan, they kicked up quite a row with the raunchy and highly controversial "Sarkailyo khatiyaa" number from 'Raja Babu' (1994), that fetched Karisma a loyal fan following amongst front benchers and earned her equal flak from critics.

It was the box-office returns that mattered and that's exactly where this phenomenal team scored, once again with 'Coolie No. 1' (1995). It was the box-office returns that mattered and that's exactly where this phenomenal team scored, once again with 'Coolie No. 1' (1995).

Whatever it was that clicked, transformed Karisma from being an 'also-ran' to a prime contender for Madhuri Dixit's crown. A fact affirmed by the mind-boggling success of her 'comeback' film, 'Raja Hindustani' (1996). Armed with an all-new wardrobe, brown contact lenses and refreshing make-up, Karisma looked a different person and oozed immense confidence on screen. Karisma has evolved into a polished actress, with films like 'Biwi No. 1', 'Haseena Maan Jayegi' (1999) and 'Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge' (2000).

Today, Karisma is every filmmaker's delight, for her thorough professionalism and willingness to stretch herself to the limit. No wonder then that a Shyam Benegal has cast her in his 'Zubeida' and Khalid Mohammed has chosen her the heroine of his directorial debut, 'Fiza'.