YFLO Kolkata kicked off its new term (2025-26) on a spirited note with their first event, ‘Beyond the Screen with the Karismatic Kapoor’, held recently at Taj Bengal. Under the leadership of chairperson Ankita Chitlangia, the event was aligned to this year’s theme, ‘Shine’. The organisation chose to shine the spotlight on one of Bollywood’s most glamorous actresses, Karisma Kapoor — the feisty soul, a dynamic presence and a talent powerhouse whose journey continues to inspire and motivate women across generations. Ahead of the event, t2 sat down for an exclusive tete-a-tete with the actress on her three-decade-long legacy, adapting to the digital era, Raj Kapoor’s centenary and more...
When you look back at the legacy you have created for over three decades, which period do you find the most fascinating, and what is it that’s making you still rule hearts across generations?
(Laughs) Well, it’s just being honest to myself. I think I’m an eternal positivity seeker and radiator. I believe what is within you reflects on your face and that energy comes out to people. I think that’s why, generally, people relate to me and feel that.
I would say the ’90s was a time when we were so young that it was just about creating something and making a name for yourself. That ambition and that feeling to prove yourself was the focus. And, I think, it was a great time because we were so innocent, and we didn’t know much, and had to work really hard. It was not the digital era. We had to really get to the audience’s hearts. That was a beautiful time.
You live life with a certain jest and it reflects whether we meet you in person or see you on social media. Is it possible to wake up everyday with so much motivation and positivity?
I think it’s always important for us to be positive. That keeps me going. But having said that, I’m human too. I have ups and downs, happy moments and sensitive moments. Social media is a great way to connect with my audience but there are certain things that I don’t get into or don’t show. And, I think that’s something that my audience respects and understands. I think that’s why it’s a great connection. I enjoy my privacy. And when I connect, I connect with a sense of positivity.
Even though you took a break from the screen for a long time before coming back with Murder Mubarak last year, you were active on Instagram. You were not really away from your audience. Have you adapted to the Instagram culture completely?
I think we all need to grow with the times. I do a lot of ads and a lot of endorsements and digital work. And it’s always fun, I guess. I like to keep evolving. Whether it’s acting or doing digital work, it is all fun and different. And I think today for me, the priority is to just do different things and things that keep me engaged.
Murder Mubarak had an ensemble cast, where you worked with actors of the millennial generation (Sara Ali Khan). At home, you have the GenZ and Gen Alpha growing up. What’s your take away from these generations?
I think there’s a lot more happening now. But, at the same time, we had a lot more happening at our time because there was no Internet, no Instagram and that avenue was not there. The way we worked was very different because we would be doing two-three shifts a day, literally… working for 20 hours on our feet. That was a different time. This is a different time. So, I think it is just about moving with it and keep growing with it. So, for me, when I see today’s generation, whether it’s the millennials or the Gen Z, I love to observe them and pick up things that help me evolve.
In a recent interview you said you sometimes feel lazy about work. But with so much happening around the entertainment space, be it OTT content or the surge of different women-centric films, don’t you feel FOMO?
Whenever I go, people ask me what am I doing next! I have to be very honest, I’m very lazy. I’m not in a rush to go on the set. I think my priorities are very different. I love my job, and I love to act, but I feel because I started very young, I was just straight out of school on the movie set... my first movie was released before my 17th birthday... so, I have to pick and choose what I want to do now. The thing with me is that I work from my heart. And when I feel like doing something, I do it. When I don’t want to do it, I just don’t. So it just depends on my mood. I am very happy in my own world. When I wanna step out, I step out. When I don’t want, I don’t.
Karisma Kapoor at YFLO
The celebration of Raj Kapoor’s centenary year started since the end of last year. What’s your favourite memory of him?
Yes, this is the 100th year and it’s gonna go on this year. There are too many favourites. I would just say that my memories of learning from my grandfather... I think I was very lucky because I was at the age of 12 or 13, when I got to literally learn some things from him. He would tell me that he knows I want to become an actor, but I must remember that it is not easy. It’s not a bed of roses. That’s the first time I heard that line. I was like, what do you mean? So he said, it’s not always gonna be pretty. There will be thorns as well and I have to walk and dodge them to reach somewhere. So, yeah, he taught me a lot of interesting things, which I still maintain. I think, as a person as well…
We got to see a glimpse of the celebration. How is the Kapoor family celebrating at home?
We celebrate him every day whenever our families meet. And a lot of the celebration is also through food because all the recipes he loved are made in our homes. We always make them whenever the family gets together. So, that’s a very emotional tie amongst all.
Karisma Kapoor
Last year also you came to Calcutta for a women’s organisation event and this year you are back to motivate and talk to the YFLO ladies. What do you like about the city and being part of such women-led initiatives?
I’ve shot an OTT show recently here. I’ve come to the city over the years. It’s always a pleasure. I love Calcutta, I must tell you. I love its rich heritage, its history, art and culture. I think all these years I have loved coming here because it’s such a different vibe from Mumbai. Earlier, when I was very young, I used to come for the movies or movie promotion or shows that we used to do. But today, I think it’s an honour and a pleasure that I came for a chat with these wonderful women and wonderfully empowered women. I think it is a great bond and I am happy to be back.