Karisma Kapoor Reflects on Early Career: Criticism, 90s Hustle, and Being 'Randhir Kapoor Without a Mustache'

Karisma Kapoor, one of the most iconic stars of the 90s, reflected on her journey from being a teenager entering the film industry to becoming a beloved household name. Speaking at the 2024 Jagran Film Festival, she shared heartfelt memories of her early struggles, the criticism she endured, and the determination that kept her moving forward. Karisma shared that gratitude is the most important emotion for her, saying she feels deeply thankful for everything in her journey. She expressed how much she values the love and support she continues to receive, even from the younger generation. While many may describe her success as the result of hard work, she emphasized that true effort always comes from within.Looking back on her early years, the actress recalled how, in the 90s, she often juggled 4–5 shifts in a single day. It was a very different time, and her journey unfolded step by step. She had stepped into films at just 16–17, straight out of school, with barely two months of college before facing the camera. Coming from a sheltered background, the transition was far from easy. In those days, without Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube, actors had to put in much more effort to connect with audiences, especially in small towns and rural areas, where reaching people beyond the big cities was always a challenge.Talking about the criticism she faced for her looks, she remembered how people would often say she resembled Randhir Kapoor without a mustache, or remark that she was too fair, had light-colored eyes, or appeared a bit 'emo.' Hearing such comments at just 16–17 years old wasn’t easy, but she stayed focused on her path. Her parents and grandfather had reminded her that the journey wouldn’t be a bed of roses — she would have to put in the hard work, because once a film made it to the silver screen, the audience would judge her for her talent, not her family name. Keeping that advice close to heart, she pressed on with determination.Reflecting on that era, Karisma described it as a time filled with love and passion, when movies were driven by instinct and sheer determination. She admitted that she sometimes misses that phase, as it carried a unique magic that today’s more structured and professional film industry no longer holds.