Karisma Kapoor reveals the big career advice she got from Raj Kapoor

One of the most celebrated stars in the Hindi film industry –Karisma Kapoor had her own journey as an actor despite coming from a famous Bollywood family. Opening up about her journey, the actress said how she had self-doubts but still decided to give acting a chance in order to live her dreams. Karisma even shared how she along with sister Kareena used to travel in Mumbai local trains to go to college and fact that it was her granddad and superstar Raj Kapoor who gave her the biggest career advice. Known for superhit David Dhawan films, Karisma made her debut in with Prem Qaidi in 1991. 

Sharing more about her journey, Kapoor told Official Humans of Bombay, “Growing up, I used to visit my granddad on set—& his talent would leave me mesmerised. Once I was there when he was directing ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’. I loved the sets, camera & lights! I knew I wanted to become an actor & contribute to the family legacy. When I told my granddad, he said, ‘It’s glamourous but it’s not a bed of roses—you will have to work very hard.’ That stayed with me. I wanted to act but my inner voice made me doubt myself. But what motivated me, was how grounded my mom kept me. Despite being from an ‘illustrious’ family, she made us live a simple life. My sister & I travelled by school bus & went to college by local trains.  My mom taught me how to stick to my roots & still be confident. She knew about my passion for acting & about my hesitation. I didn’t want to falter & let anybody down. But she said that until I try, I’d never know. That’s when I signed my first film—a remake of a South Indian movie! While shooting, I gave my best. I had to ‘make it’ or ‘break it’. And the movie was a success! As my career progressed, there were highs & lows. I had done a song, ‘Sexy Sexy’—I’d worked hard & even hurt my knees for it. I was appreciated for my dance, but people thought the song was way ahead of its time—the word ‘Sexy’ wasn’t common back then.”

She further added, “But that’s when my mom said that it’s an actors job to entertain. I can’t let one roadblock affect it. Even on the bad days, I had to keep my head held high. So even when I was offered ‘Dil Toh Pagal Hai’, when no actress wanted to be cast against Madhuri Dixit. I didn’t want to shy away because ‘I thought I couldn’t do it’. I did the film & even won a National Award for it! From then on, whenever I’ve wondered if I was capable enough—be it in my choice of films, being a single mom or in my relationships with people, I’ve never let my doubts get the better of me. We live in a world where there will always be roadblocks, people to bog you down & things that may not work out. That’s why you have to be your biggest strength & not let your voice, at any point, become your weakness.”

Truly said! We are sure she has inspired many with her story. More power to you, Karisma!

from filmfares https://ift.tt/2BgLgG2