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Anil Kapoor Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 4, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth24 December 1956

Age68 Years (as of 2024)

BirthplaceBombay, Bombay State, India

ProfessionActor, Producer

NationalityIndian

Marital statusMarried

SpouseSunita Bhambhani Kapoor

FamilyChildren: Sonam Kapoor, Rhea Kapoor, Harshvardhan Kapoor; Father: Surinder Kapoor; Brothers: Boney Kapoor, Sanjay Kapoor

Anil Kapoor Biography

Veteran Bollywood actor and producer known for a six-decade career across Hindi and international films, award-winning performances, and a reputation for a

Early life and background
Anil Kapoor was born on 24 December 1956 in Bombay (now Mumbai), Bombay State, India. Raised in Chembur in a Punjabi family involved in film production, he attended Our Lady of Perpetual Succour High School and later enrolled at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, though he did not complete his college education. Kapoor has described early years that included close ties to the film world through his family and modest beginnings in the city.

Career
Kapoor’s screen career began in the late 1970s. His first credited film appearance was a cameo in Hamare Tumhare (1979), and he later landed his first lead role in Woh Saat Din (1983), which introduced his character Prem Pratap Singh to mainstream audiences. Over the following decades he established himself as a leading actor in Hindi cinema, delivering memorable performances in films such as Mashaal, Tezaab, Meri Jung, Mr. India, Nayak – The Real Hero, and Dil Dhadakne Do.

He has also worked across multiple regional and international projects: Telugu (Vamsa Vruksham, 1980), Kannada (Pallavi Anu Pallavi, 1983), Malayalam (Chandralekha, 1997), and notable international appearances in Slumdog Millionaire (2008) and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011). Kapoor expanded into production with his first produced film Badhaai Ho Badhaai and went on to back projects including My Wife’s Murder and Gandhi, My Father.

Television work includes appearances in the American series 24 (2010) and the Indian adaptation of the show, in which he played the lead role of Jai Singh Rathod. He is the only actor to appear in all three installments of the Race franchise, portraying detective Robert D’Costa across Race, Race 2, and Race 3.

Artistic range and preparation
Kapoor has shown range across commercial blockbusters, dramatic roles and international films. His preparation has included significant physical training—reportedly seven months of gym work for a demanding action sequence in Nayak—and involvement with musical performance, having recorded songs for film soundtracks and a pop album in the 1980s. He is known for a signature catchphrase that became part of his public persona.

Awards and recognition
Across his career Kapoor has been recognized with multiple Filmfare Awards, including Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor honors, and a National Film Award for Best Actor for Pukar. Other industry accolades include critics’ awards, lifetime achievement recognition and numerous supporting-actor awards in recent years. He has also received state honors and titles from Indian governments and was immortalized with a wax figure at Madame Tussauds in Singapore.

Public profile
Kapoor married Sunita Bhambhani on 19 May 1984. The couple have three children: daughters Sonam and Rhea and son Harshvardhan, each of whom has pursued careers related to the film industry. He is part of a film family that includes brothers Boney Kapoor and Sanjay Kapoor and a network of nieces and nephews active in cinema. He is based in Mumbai and has spoken publicly about health, fitness and career longevity.

Kapoor has been involved in public controversies tied to professional activities and media exchanges, and legal action has been taken to protect his image and likeness from unauthorized commercial use. He has also been the subject of on-set and promotional disputes reported in the press.

Personal interests and style
Known for an energetic on-screen presence and disciplined fitness routine, Kapoor lists painting, travel and gymming among his interests. He has described diet and a positive outlook as contributing factors to his sustained physical condition. His public persona includes attention to style and a noted fondness for certain luxury automobiles.

Latest updates
Recent awards include supporting-actor recognition in 2023 and 2024 at industry ceremonies. In 2023 the Delhi High Court issued directions against unauthorized commercial use of his name, voice and likeness. He continues to appear in mainstream Hindi films and occasional international projects while maintaining a visible presence at award events and in media discussion about Indian cinema.
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Recent Work

Jug Jugg Jeeyo

Won Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) at an industry award in 2023

2023
Animal

Received Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) awards at ceremonies in 2024

2024
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Career Highlights

  1. Breakthrough lead role in Woh Saat Din (1983)
  2. National Film Award for Best Actor for Pukar
  3. International exposure with Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
  4. Consistent recognition with multiple Filmfare awards across decades
  5. Producer of several Hindi films including Badhaai Ho Badhaai and Gandhi, My Father
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Anil Kapoor born?

24 December 1956

What is Anil Kapoor known for?

Actor, Producer

What is Anil Kapoor’s marital status?

Married

Who is Anil Kapoor married to?

Sunita Bhambhani Kapoor