Neetu Kapoor @68: Slapped by mother over a date:Fainted at her wedding, Rishi Kapoor thought her career was over

After losing her father at a young age, Neetu Kapoor entered films to support her family, exchanging schoolbooks for movie scripts. She went on to become one of Hindi cinema's most successful actresses, but her life was marked by personal struggles as much as professional success. Her relationship with Rishi Kapoor reportedly drew strong opposition from her mother, and both fainted during their wedding ceremony. Rishi later admitted their marriage affected his career, while Neetu stepped away from acting to focus on family. After a 26-year break, she made a successful comeback, once again winning audiences with her performances. Today, Neetu Kapoor is celebrating her 68th birthday. Let's know some special things related to her life. Lost her father in childhood Born as Harmeet Kaur in Delhi on July 8, 1958, Neetu Kapoor belongs to a Punjabi Sikh family. After her father's death, the family faced severe financial hardship and later moved to Mumbai. Determined to support her children, her mother, Rajee Kaur, first tried to find work in films but was repeatedly rejected. She then decided to pursue her dream through young Neetu. Carrying her daughter from one film studio to another, Rajee faced several setbacks but refused to give up, eventually helping Neetu begin her acting career. The acting journey began under the name 'Baby Sonia' Neetu Kapoor stepped into films at the tender age of eight. In the initial phase, she was known by the name 'Baby Sonia'. As a child artist, she debuted in Bollywood with the film 'Suraj' (1966). After that, she worked in many films like 'Dus Lakh', 'Do Kaliyan', 'Do Dooni Char', and 'Waaris' and won the hearts of the audience with her innocence. However, at that time, her mother was not happy with the popularity Neetu was gaining as a child artist. In that era, acting was not considered easy for child artists, but Neetu was completely comfortable in front of the camera. Directors were impressed by her dialogue delivery and expressions. By continuously working, she learned the nuances of acting. Became the lead actress with the film 'Rickshawala' After being a child artist, Neetu Kapoor gained recognition as a lead actress with the film 'Rickshawala' (1973). At that time, she was 15 years old. In this film, directed by K. Shankar, she worked opposite Rishi Kapoor's elder brother, Randhir Kapoor. After this, she continuously got opportunities to work with big banners and popular actors. Her innocent smile and natural acting won the hearts of the audience. Within a few years, she became one of Bollywood's busiest actresses. Producers and directors started considering her as the first choice for romantic and family films. These films made her a superstar Neetu Kapoor worked in many memorable films in her career, such as 'Deewaar', 'Khel Khel Mein', 'Raffoo Chakkar', 'Kabhi Kabhie', 'Amar Akbar Anthony', 'Dharam-Veer', 'Jhoota Kahin Ka', 'Yaarana', and 'Kasme Vaade'. Her pairing was most liked with Rishi Kapoor. Both gave many blockbuster films. Neetu's lively style and her energy on screen were greatly loved by the audience. This was the reason she became counted among the most successful actresses of her era. First Meeting with Rishi Kapoor Neetu Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor first met during the shooting of the film 'Zehreela Insaan' (1974). Initially, there were small squabbles between them. Rishi Kapoor had a serious nature, while Neetu was very cheerful. While working together, they became good friends, and this friendship gradually turned into love. After this, they worked together in many films, and their pairing became a favorite of the audience. When did friendship turn into love Working together continuously, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor started understanding each other better. During shoots, they would talk for hours. Rishi Kapoor took care of Neetu and sent her letters and small gifts. Gradually, their relationship deepened. During that period, their love story became one of the most talked-about stories in the film industry. Both took the relationship seriously and decided to get married. When dating was discovered, mother slapped According to media reports, Neetu Kapoor had revealed in an interview that when her mother came to know about her relationship with Rishi Kapoor, she became angry. Her mother even slapped her. At that time, the family was concerned about her young age and career. Later, both families accepted the relationship. Over time, differences ended and wedding preparations began. Bride and Groom Fainted on Wedding Day On January 22, 1980, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor tied the knot. It was one of Bollywood's most talked-about weddings. A large number of film stars attended the wedding. Later, both revealed that they were very tired due to the wedding rituals and the crowd. Neetu's heavy lehenga and the continuous rituals proved difficult for her, while Rishi Kapoor also became uncomfortable due to the crowd and stress. Because of this, both fainted for some time. Rishi Kapoor did not want to get married Rishi Kapoor had written in his biography Khullam Khulla that at one point he was afraid of marriage. He felt that after marriage, responsibilities would increase and freedom would decrease. However, his relationship with Neetu Kapoor was so strong that he finally decided to get married. Both chose each other as life partners and stayed together for four decades. Their relationship is counted among Bollywood's strongest. Why he felt his career was affected after marriage Rishi Kapoor had admitted in his biography Khullam Khulla that after marriage, he felt that his image as a romantic hero was affected. He believed that during that era, audiences did not accept married actors in the same romantic image as before. She felt that it affected her career. However, in later years, she made a spectacular comeback in character roles and created a new identity. Distanced Herself from Films for Family After marriage, Neetu Kapoor almost distanced herself from acting. She wanted to prioritize her family and raising her children. She decided to leave the glamour of films and manage her home. During that period, she did very few films. Neetu believed that giving time to her children was her most important responsibility. This is why she also turned down many big film offers. Devoted Full Time to Raising Ranbir and Riddhima Neetu Kapoor gave full attention to raising her son Ranbir Kapoor and daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni. She always tried to ensure that the children had a normal environment. Family became the biggest center of her life. Despite his busy career, Rishi Kapoor also tried to give time to his family. Neetu has often said that the role of a mother has been the most satisfying experience of her life. Return to films after a long hiatus Neetu Kapoor returned to films after nearly two and a half decades. After playing a small role in 'Love Aaj Kal' in 2009, she acted alongside Rishi Kapoor in 'Do Dooni Chaar' in 2010. Her work in this film was appreciated. Subsequently, she worked in several films including 'Besharam', 'Jugjugg Jeeyo', and 'Daadi Ki Shaadi'. Audiences warmly welcomed her return, proving that her acting is still as impactful. Took on new responsibilities after Rishi Kapoor's demise After Rishi Kapoor's demise on April 30, 2020, Neetu Kapoor's life underwent a significant change. She composed herself and emerged as the strength of her family. She refocused on work, took on the role of a judge in reality shows, and remained active in films. Despite the difficult period, she maintained a positive outlook and conveyed a message of moving forward in life anew. Neetu Kapoor says, "Returning to work was like someone applied balm to my wounds. For some time, I forgot my sorrow." Still the audience's favorite actress Even on her 68th birthday, Neetu Kapoor's popularity remains intact. She remains active on social media and keeps sharing glimpses of her family. Her acting, simplicity, and positive personality have made her a favorite among audiences of several generations. Her journey from child artist to successful actress, wife, mother, and a strong comeback artist is considered inspiring. This is why she is still counted among the most respected actresses in Hindi cinema.