The Queen of 60s Glamour: A Deep Dive into Babita’s Cinematic Legacy!
Babita Kapoor (née Shivdasani) is much more than just a
former Bollywood actress; she is a symbol of 1960s glamour and a formidable
matriarch who single-handedly steered the most famous film dynasty in India
into the modern era. In a career that lasted less than a decade, she delivered
numerous box-office hits and established herself as a fashion trailblazer
before stepping away at the height of her fame.
Biography: Early Life and Heritage
Born on April 20, 1948, in Mumbai (some sources cite
1947 in Karachi), Babita was born into a Sindhi family with deep cinematic
roots.
- Family
Background: Her father, Hari Shivdasani, was a prominent
character actor. She is the first cousin of the legendary actress Sadhana,
who was one of the biggest stars and style icons of the 1960s. Her mother
was British Christian, Barbara Shivdasani.
- The
Kapoor Union: On November 6, 1971, Babita married Randhir Kapoor,
the eldest son of showman Raj Kapoor. Following the then-strict tradition
of the Kapoor household, she retired from acting after her marriage to
focus on her domestic life.
- A
Fierce Mother: After separating from Randhir in the late 1980s, Babita
raised her two daughters, Karisma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan,
as a single mother. She famously broke family tradition by encouraging her
daughters to enter the film industry, effectively paving the way for the
"Kapoor girls" to dominate Bollywood.
Filmography: A Golden Streak (1966–1973)
Babita’s career was short but incredibly impactful,
consisting of only 19 films, nearly all of which were commercial
successes.
The Rise to Fame
She made her debut in the successful comedy Dus Lakh
(1966). However, it was the suspense thriller Raaz (1967), opposite
Rajesh Khanna, that made her a household name. She quickly became the preferred
leading lady for the era's biggest superstars.
Major Career Hits
- Farz
(1967): A spy thriller opposite Jeetendra that remains a cult classic.
- Kismat
(1968): Known for its evergreen music, specifically the song "Aao
Huzoor Tumko."
- Haseena
Maan Jayegi (1968): A massive hit where she starred opposite Shashi
Kapoor.
- Pehchan
(1970): A romantic drama alongside Manoj Kumar.
- Kal
Aaj Aur Kal (1971): A landmark film that featured three generations of
the Kapoor family (Prithviraj, Raj, and Randhir) and marked the beginning
of her real-life romance with Randhir.
Final Appearances
Her final few films included Jeet (1972) and Ek
Hasina Do Diwane (1972). She officially bid farewell to the silver screen
with Sone Ke Haath (1973).
The Style Icon of the 60s
Babita was a pioneer of the "Go-Go" era in India.
She is credited with popularizing:
- Tight
Churidar Kurtas: Which became a staple for college-going girls in the
70s.
- Oversized
Sunglasses: Often referred to as "Go-Go glasses."
- Hoop
Earrings: A trend that has seen multiple revivals over the decades.
Legacy and Impact
Babita's influence on the film industry is most visible
through her daughters. By resisting the patriarchal norms of the time, she
ensured that Karisma and Kareena became the first women from the Kapoor family
to act in films, forever changing the family's narrative.
Today, as of 2026, she maintains a dignified, private
profile, often seen at family gatherings with her grandchildren. Her journey
remains a powerful story of professional success, personal resilience, and the
relentless drive to secure a legacy for the next generation.
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