Neetu Kapoor at 68: From Child Star to Bollywood Icon, Her Inspiring Journey Through Fame and Struggles

Veteran Bollywood actress Neetu Kapoor is celebrating her 68th birthday today. She was born on July 8, 1958, in New Delhi. After spending nearly six decades in Bollywood and even taking 26 year long break, she continues to enjoy immense love from fans. This is because Neetu began working in Bollywood at the age of 8.

Many well known personalities have wished her on her birthday. Here's what Ranbir Kapoor wrote,

Happy Birthday, Mom

"You are my greatest strength, my safe place, and the heart of our family. Thank you for all your teachings, sacrifices, and unconditional love. No matter how old I get, I will always be your little boy."

Ranbir then wrote that he hopes she receives all the happiness, good health, and love in the world. He called it a blessing to have Neetu as his mother.

Neetu's career as a Child Artist

Talking about Neetu's early life, she began her film career as a child artist in the 1966 film "Suraj." By 1972, she became a popular child artist in Bollywood. Her 1968 film "Do Kaliyaan" made her very famous in every household.

In 1973, Neetu made her Bollywood debut as a lead actress in the film Rickshawala. Then, she starred in several blockbuster films, including "Yaadon Ki Baaraat," "Deewar," "Kabhi Kabhie," and "Amar Akbar Anthony." 

Neetu was one of the most expensive and busy actresses of her time, often working three shifts a day.

Life after Marriage

The biggest turning point in Neetu's life came when she married Rishi Kapoor in 1980 after which she took a break from bollywood. She had made the decision to raise her children (Ranbir and Riddhima) on her own. She made the decision at the peak of her career. 

Re-entered Bollywood after 26 years

After a 26 year long break, she made her Bollywood comeback in 2009 with the film "Love Aaj Kal." She then worked with her husband Rishi Kapoor in successful films and TV shows like "Do Dooni Chaar" and "Jug Jug Jio." 

Her latest film, "Dadi Ki Shaadi," is streaming on Netflix where she is playing the character of a 72-year-old grandmother. Neetu will also be seen in the film "Letters to Mr. Khanna."

 Was Neetu Forced to become an Actress?

Neetu Kapoor's life has never been as easy as it appears from the outside. She lost her father at a very young age. The family's financial situation was poor, so her mother, Raji Kaur, forced her to drop out of school and start working in films at a young age. At a time when most children are busy studying and playing sports, Neetu was working in studios and on film sets.

Her mother also had a very strict nature. When Neetu and Rishi Kapoor fell in love, her mother was against their relationship, causing them considerable stress. The pressure on their wedding day was so intense that both Neetu Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor fainted during the wedding rituals.

Struggles After Marriage

Even after marriage, Neetu Kapoor's troubles didn't end. Although Rishi Kapoor was a brilliant actor, but his personal temper and alcoholism often created problems in their relationship. Nevertheless, Neetu handled her family and relationships with patience and understanding.

When Rishi Kapoor was diagnosed with cancer in 2018, Neetu remained by his side throughout his treatment. 

After Rishi Kapoor's death in 2020, she was left devastated and lonely. To overcome this difficult period, she sought the help of professional counsellors and then returned to films, finding strength in her work.