Happy Birthday Dimple Kapadia! How Bollywood’s ‘Bobby’ Defied Age To Become A Successful Star

As we celebrate the legendary Dimple Kapadia’s birthday, it’s impossible to overlook the fact that her comeback was probably the most iconic in Bollywood. The miniskirt-wearing Bobby was born on  June 8, 1957, in Mumbai. Showman Raj Kapoor discovered her when she was only 14 and cast her as the leading lady in his teen romance Bobby (1973), opposite his son Rishi Kapoor. The movie was a blockbuster, making both Kapadia and Rishi became an instant hit.

Just when Bollywood thought it had got a hit pair, 16-year-old Dimple, decided to get married to the superstar of that time, Rajesh Khanna even before Bobby was released in 1973.

Two daughters and a separation later, Kapadia returned to films in 1984 with Saagar, once again, with Rishi Kapoor as her co-star, the other being Kamal Haasan. She won the Filmfare Best Actress award for Saagar, just as she had for her debut film Bobby. Here are some movies in which she excelled as an actress after her comeback.

1. Saagar (1985):· She played the love interest of both her childhood friend Raja (Kamal Haasan) and a wealthy businessman Ravi ( Rishi Kapoor). Her performance was lauded for its emotional depth and chemistry with both lead actors. The movie was a critical and commercial success.
2. Ram Lakhan (1989): She portrayed the character of Geeta Kashyap, the love interest of the protagonist, Ram. The film was a major commercial success and became one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Kapadia’s performance added to the film’s appeal, and her chemistry with co-star Jackie Shroff was well-received.
3. Rudaali (1993): In this critically acclaimed film, Dimple Kapadia portrayed Shanichari, a professional mourner. The film was a commercial success and earned Kapadia the National Film Award for Best Actress. Her portrayal of Shanichari was lauded for its authenticity and emotional depth, solidifying her reputation as a versatile actress.
4. Krantiveer (1994): Dimple played the role of Megha Dixit, a journalist who fights against corruption. The film was a major commercial success and earned Kapadia the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her strong performance as a fearless journalist was the highlight of the film.
5. Dil Chahta Hai (2001): In this modern classic, Dimple Kapadia played Tara Jaiswal, an older woman with a complicated past who becomes the object of affection for one of the protagonists, who is much younger. The film was a significant hit and is considered a cult classic. Kapadia’s nuanced performance as Tara added depth to the film’s narrative and was widely praised.
6. Dabangg (2010): Dimple Kapadia portrayed Naini P Pandey, the protagonist, Chulbul Pandey’s mother. The film was a blockbuster and one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Kapadia’s performance added emotional weight to the film, and her character was central to the protagonist’s backstory.
7. Cocktail (2012): Kapadia played Kavita Kapoor, the conservative mother of the male lead, Gautam. The film was a commercial success, and Kapadia’s performance was appreciated for adding a touch of traditional values to the otherwise modern narrative.
8. Tenet (2020): In Christopher Nolan’s ‘Tenet’, Dimple Kapadia played Priya Singh, an arms dealer with a crucial role in the plot’s unfolding. The film was a significant international success, and Kapadia’s performance received positive reviews, marking her successful entry into Hollywood.
9. Brahmāstra: Part One(2022): Dimple Kapadia played Savitri Devi in this fantasy adventure film. The movie was a major commercial success, and Kapadia’s role, although not central, added gravitas to the ensemble cast.
10. Pathaan (2023): In this action-packed film, Dimple Kapadia played Nandini Grewal, a key character supporting the lead roles. The movie was a major hit, and Kapadia’s performance was appreciated for its strength and poise.
11. Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023): Dimple Kapadia played Renu Arora, Mickey’(Ranbir Kapoor) mother in this romantic comedy. The film was successful, and Kapadia’s comic timing and portrayal of a caring yet quirky mother and mother-in-law were highlights of the film.
12. Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024): In the latest film, she portrays the enigmatic Urmila Shukla, Shahid Kapoor’s aunt and the founder of E-Robotics. With her commanding presence and shrewd business acumen, her pivotal role adds depth to the storyline.