Karisma Kapoor’s love story: Once engaged to Abhishek Bachchan, later married Sunjay Kapur as his second wife

Karisma Kapoor is known for her high-end legacy, being born into the Kapoor family, but her journey has been anything but a fairy tale. Karisma became the first female member of her family to pursue acting. She made her debut at just 17 with 'Prem Qaidi'.

Raised by her mother – former actress Babita – Karisma’s early life took a turn after her parents’ separation. Babita brought up Karisma and her younger sister Kareena almost single-handedly, facing financial hardships that included selling personal assets to support her daughters’ ambitions.

Rising Stardom and Critical Acclaim

Karisma’s rise in Bollywood was meteoric. With iconic roles in Dil To Pagal Hai, Biwi No. 1, Fiza, and Raja Hindustani, she not only ruled the box office but also earned critical acclaim.

Heartbreaks and Hurdles in Her Personal Life

Despite her professional success, Karisma’s personal life was riddled with challenges. Her early romantic involvement with actor Ajay Devgn ended on a bitter note amid rumours of a love triangle.


Her most high-profile relationship was with Abhishek Bachchan, whom she dated for several years. Their engagement, announced at Amitabh Bachchan’s 60th birthday celebration in 2002, was called off just months later, with no official explanation from either family. Speculation was rife about family pressures, career differences, and financial disagreements. There were reports of demands from Karisma’s family that reportedly did not sit well with the Bachchans.

A Marriage That Unravelled

In 2003, Karisma married Delhi-based businessman Sanjay Kapur in a grand ceremony but got divorced seven years later. They officially ended their marriage in 2016 after welcoming two children. Karisma returned to Mumbai with her kids after the divorce and chose to raise them independently. Sunjay was earlier married to Nandita Mahtani in 1999. The couple separated in 2000.

Life After Stardom

Karisma took a break from the industry and decided to focus on motherhood and selective projects. Though she found companionship again with businessman Sandeep Toshniwal, reports suggested that the relationship ended on mutual terms. Karisma chose to prioritise her children and personal space over remarrying.


Sunjay Kapur's Demise

Karisma’s ex-husband, Sunjay Kapur, left the family heartbroken with his untimely demise on June 12, 2025.


Karisma's work front

On the work front, Karisma was last seen in 'Murder Mubarak' last year.