Meet Kapoor Family's Only Graduate, Aditya Raj Kapoor, Who Chose Academics Over Stardom

The Kapoor clan has achieved a prestigious mark in Bollywood, and the name itself is synonymous with cinematic excellence. As the Kapoor family celebrates the centenary of Raj Kapoor, one of Bollywood's greatest showmen, all eyes are on the legacy of this iconic clan. However, amidst the glitz and glamour, Aditya Raj Kapoor, the son of Shammi Kapoor and nephew of Raj Kapoor, stands out as a unique and inspiring figure. The lesser-known Kapoor chose a profession in academics, earning a Philosophy degree at 67. Now a teacher, Aditya redefines what it means to be a Kapoor, proving success extends beyond the silver screen.

Aditya Raj Kapoor reflects on his decision to choose a different path

Aditya Raj Kapoor is the son of Shammi Kapoor and Geeta Bali. In a candid interview with ETimes, Aditya Raj Kapoor reflected on his decision to distance himself from the Kapoor family's cinematic legacy. Despite his close bond with Raj Kapoor's brothers, Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor, Aditya chose to distance himself from the Awaara star. 

Despite his different career path, Aditya’s journey also began in the world of cinema, when he assisted his legendary uncle, Raj Kapoor on classics like Bobby and Satyam Shivam Sundaram. Despite these early experiences, he felt disconnected from the industry's demands and eventually stepped away, venturing into business before returning to acting briefly in the 2010s.

Aditya revealed that he felt disconnected from the family’s cinematic legacy, which led him to forge his own unique path. Talking about his late father’s reaction to his career away from cinema, Aditya shared:

“My father would have been very happy. He did his second-year college and would have continued if his father didn’t pull him to work in Prithvi theatre. He knew the value of education.”

Aditya Raj Kapoor’s career took a turn during the pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aditya’s career reached a turning point as after all these years, he revisited his passion for learning. The Kapoor heir got himself enrolled at Indira Gandhi National Open University, and achieved a milestone that no Kapoor male before him had accomplished: becoming a graduate, that too, at the age of 67.

Today, as a teacher lecturing on philosophy and ethics, Aditya takes pride in a career he describes as “the most humbling of all occupations.” He is the only member of the Kapoor clan to have graduated and earned an academic degree.

Aditya Raj Kapoor recalls avoiding his uncles, Raj Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor

Further in the interview, Aditya Raj Kapoor revealed that he had always kept a distance from his legendary uncles, Raj Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor because he did not follow through with the family’s cinematic legacy. After his debut as a child actor in his mother, Geeta’s film, Jab Se Tumhe Dekha Hai, he did not want to pursue a career in acting. Regardless, his admiration for Raj Kapoor remains unwavering. Talking about the same, Aditya revealed:

“I often avoided meeting Raj Uncle or Randhir because I felt I was running away from the family. After Raj Uncle had accomplished so much in cinema, what new could I possibly do?”

Meanwhile, the ongoing Raj Kapoor Film Festival, celebrating 100 years of the iconic filmmaker, serves as a reminder of the family’s unparalleled contribution to cinema. 

Aditya Raj Kapoor’s story is a refreshing take on ambition and courage, proving that it’s never too late to discover yourself!

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