Financial Issues and Family Demands Strain Engagement
The early 2000s saw Bollywood abuzz with the engagement of two of its biggest stars, Abhishek Bachchan and Karisma Kapoor. Their love story began at Shweta Bachchan’s wedding and remained private for five years.
A Joyous Engagement Announcement
In 2002, during Amitabh Bachchan’s 60th birthday celebration, Jaya Bachchan announced their engagement, delighting fans and the Bollywood community. However, by January 2003, the engagement was unexpectedly called off, sparking speculation about the reasons behind the split.
Conflicting Demands and Financial Strain
Reports suggest that Jaya Bachchan demanded Karisma quit acting post-marriage, a condition Karisma’s mother, Babita Kapoor, opposed. Babita, concerned about her daughter’s successful career, insisted on a prenuptial agreement to secure Karisma’s future by transferring some of Amitabh Bachchan’s wealth to Abhishek.
These demands created tension between the families, further complicated by the financial difficulties faced by the Bachchan family at the time. Babita’s concern over the Bachchans’ debts led to hesitation about her daughter marrying into a financially troubled family, resulting in the engagement’s breakup despite Abhishek and Karisma’s deep love for each other.
Life After the Split
Karisma Kapoor later married businessman Sanjay Kapoor in 2003, though the couple divorced in 2014. Meanwhile, Abhishek married Aishwarya Rai in 2007, and they continue to be one of Bollywood’s most celebrated couples.
