It’s been three decades since Karisma Kapoor burst onto the Bollywood scene, but her impact on the industry still lingers. With a string of hit comedies under her belt, the actress has become synonymous with the genre. But what many fans might not know is the behind-the-scenes story of how she, along with Govinda, Paresh Rawal, Kader Khan, and Shakti Kapoor, created some of the most beloved comedies of the 90s. In a recent conversation, Kapoor shared stories of the chaotic, joyful, and wildly productive era of 90s Bollywood comedy, where she and her colleagues operated more like a travelling theatre troupe than a film cast.
When Script Was an Afterthought
Kapoor’s most memorable roles were often born out of spontaneity, with the actress showing up on set without a script in hand. She recalls taking direction in two Hindi words, ‘dekho’ (meaning ‘look’) and ‘karo’ (meaning ‘do’), and somehow managing to bring her characters to life. This approach, which was unconventional even by 90s Bollywood standards, helped create a sense of unpredictability on set, adding to the raw energy of the films. ‘We were a very loose-knit group, and we didn’t always know what we were doing,’ Kapoor says, ‘but that’s what made it so exciting.’
Kapoor’s lack of scripted material wasn’t the only unusual aspect of her approach. She also credits her ability to adapt to the director’s vision, often changing her character’s tone and demeanor mid-film. This flexibility, combined with her willingness to take risks, helped her build a reputation as one of the most versatile actresses of her time.
The Unstoppable Govinda
At the heart of 90s Bollywood comedy was Govinda, an actor who seemed to effortlessly transition from hero to villain and back again. Kapoor praises Govinda’s unique energy, which brought a level of unpredictability to his performances. ‘Govinda was like a force of nature,’ Kapoor says, ‘he had this incredible ability to make you laugh, even when you thought you’d had enough.’ The two actors often improvised together, creating some of the most memorable moments in their films. Their on-screen chemistry was palpable, and their off-screen friendship remains one of the most enduring legacies of the era.
Govinda’s impact on Kapoor’s career cannot be overstated. He was one of the first actors to give her a chance to showcase her comedic skills, and their collaborations remain some of the most beloved films of the 90s. Kapoor credits Govinda with helping her discover her own sense of humor, and the two actors often pushed each other to new heights on set.
Paresh Rawal and the Art of Improvisation
Paresh Rawal, another key player in the 90s Bollywood comedy scene, was known for his impeccable timing and ability to think on his feet. Kapoor praises Rawal’s skill as an improviser, which added a level of authenticity to their films. ‘Paresh was a master of improvisation,’ Kapoor says, ‘he could turn even the most mundane scene into something hilarious.’ The two actors often worked together on set, with Rawal’s quick wit and sharp observations providing a perfect foil to Kapoor’s more dramatic moments.
Rawal’s influence on Kapoor’s career went beyond their on-screen collaborations. He was one of the first actors to encourage her to take risks and try new things, pushing her to become a more confident and versatile performer. The two actors remain close friends to this day, and their shared experiences on set continue to inspire new generations of actors and comedians.
As Kapoor reflects on her time in 90s Bollywood, she is struck by the sense of camaraderie that defined their era. ‘We were all in this together,’ she says, ‘and that’s what made it so special.’ The era may be over, but its legacy lives on through the countless comedies that Kapoor and her colleagues created. And for Kapoor, the memories of that time remain a cherished part of her own personal history, a reminder of the power of laughter and the importance of taking risks in the pursuit of art.
As Kapoor looks back on her career, she is reminded of the countless people who helped her along the way. There’s Govinda, Paresh Rawal, and Kader Khan, among others, who all played a role in shaping her into the actress she is today. And though the era may be over, its influence can still be seen in the comedies that continue to delight audiences today.
