Who is Karan Kapoor? A look into the life and career of Shashi Kapoor's son

Karan Kapoor is the son of legendary Bollywood actor Shashi Kapoor and acclaimed British theatre actress Jennifer Kendal. He is part of the illustrious Kapoor family, with his paternal grandfather being Prithviraj Kapoor, and his uncles Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor — pillars of Indian cinema. Karan has two siblings: his elder brother Kunal Kapoor, a former actor and now an ad filmmaker, and his younger sister Sanjana Kapoor, who runs the iconic Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai.

Acting and Modelling Career
Karan began his film career with Shyam Benegal’s 1978 film Junoon, which featured his parents and siblings. He later appeared in films such as 36 Chowringhee Lane, Sultanat, Loha, and Afsar. Despite his striking looks and popularity — especially as the face of the Bombay Dyeing ad campaign in the 1980s and early ’90s — his acting career in Bollywood was brief. He also worked in British television, with roles in series such as The Jewel in the Crown, South of the Border, and The Tooting Lions.

Transition to Photography
In 1988, Karan left Bollywood and moved to the UK, where he pursued his passion for photography. He became an award-winning photographer, with his work earning international recognition — including the International Photography Award in 2009 for his photograph Old Couple. He has also worked as a photographer for films such as The Bostonians and Utsav. Karan returned to India after 25 years in 2016 with his photography exhibition series Time & Tide, which was showcased in cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur.

Personal Life
Karan is married to Lorna Kapoor, a former British model. The couple has two children: a son, Zak Kapoor, and a daughter, Aliya Kapoor. They are based in London, where Karan runs his photography business. He made headlines recently with rare public appearances at family events, including Randhir Kapoor’s birthday.

Legacy and Recent Buzz
Although Karan's time in Bollywood was short-lived, his charm and legacy as part of the Kapoor family have endured. Fans fondly remember him as the “Bombay Dyeing man” and for his dashing looks. His recent appearances have reignited interest in his life and career, with many wondering whether he might return to Indian cinema. In a 2016 interview, Karan expressed openness to a comeback, saying he would love to — though he added with a smile that he wasn’t sure if anyone still wanted to see him.