In a candid revelation, actress Karisma Kapoor, renowned for her roles in iconic films like ‘Andaz Apna Apna’, ‘Coolie No.1’, and ‘Raja Hindustani’, unfurled the curtains to offer a glimpse into the film industry’s significant evolution over the past 40-50 years. Currently serving as a judge on the dancing reality show ‘India’s Best Dancer Season 4’, Kapoor shared nostalgic anecdotes, illustrating the transformation of Bollywood from its rudimentary days to its technologically advanced present.
Recalling the days when the concept of vanity vans was non-existent, Karisma shared that actors had to adapt to far more challenging on-set conditions. “When I started, we didn’t have vanity vans. We would go behind trees to change our outfits for scenes, and sometimes even had to relieve ourselves there,” she revealed, highlighting an era when the glamour and convenience associated with the Bollywood life today were things of fiction.
In a testament to the breakthroughs in film technology she has witnessed, Karisma mentioned the first time she worked with a monitor during the filming of ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’. “It was the dance of envy shot. Yash ji (Yash Chopra) brought it, and Aditya Chopra and Uday Chopra were also on the sets… ‘Aur hum toh paagal ho gaye the’ (we went mad looking at the monitor). We thought, ‘Really? We could see what we have done in a shot,'” she elaborated. This was a remarkable change, providing actors and directors real-time on-set feedback, dramatically enhancing the filmmaking process.
One major milestone in Karisma’s career was the film ‘Zubeidaa’, where she experienced another technological leap. “The first film with sync-sound that I worked on was ‘Zubeidaa’ directed by Shyam Benegal. It was the first movie where we put on lapel mics for ‘real life sound’,” she stated. This innovation marked the transition from the longstanding practice of studio dubbing to capturing live dialogues on set, enriching the narrative depth and making scenes more immersive for audiences.
Expounding on the seismic shifts in filmmaking techniques, Karisma noted the proliferation of vanity vans as a symbol of the industry’s growth.
. “The number of vans parked outside the sets of this show… We didn’t have anything like this,” she observed. Such facilities have significantly improved working conditions for actors, allowing for easier and quicker costume changes and providing a private space for rest between shots.
Beyond the improvement in amenities, technological advancements have also revolutionized the creative process. Modern filmmaking is intertwined with cutting-edge visual effects, high-definition cameras, and enhanced sound engineering, making film production more sophisticated and efficient. For actors like Karisma Kapoor, who have journeyed through this transformative era, these changes underscore the remarkable progress the industry has made.
Karisma’s reflections serve as a compelling narrative of resilience and adaptability ingrained in the fabric of Bollywood. The actress began her illustrious career at the tender age of 16, debuting in ‘Prem Qaidi’ opposite Harish Kumar in 1991. Since then, she has witnessed the film industry’s metamorphosis first-hand, from the era of rudimentary setups and manual techniques to the sophisticated, tech-driven world of today’s cinema.
Currently, Karisma stands alongside Terence Lewis and Geeta Kapoor as a judge on ‘India’s Best Dancer Season 4’. The show, known for its celebration of dance talent across India, also serves as a platform for veterans like her to impart wisdom and share their life experiences with newer generations.
Karisma’s account not only highlights the advancements in technology but also underscores the changing dynamics in the film industry. From basic logistical amenities to state-of-the-art filming techniques, her journey reflects the broader evolution of Bollywood. Her stories provide fascinating insights into the industry’s past, showing how far it has come and hinting at the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.
In a realm where change is the only constant, the film industry’s journey over the last few decades—a journey Karisma Kapoor is quintessentially familiar with—demonstrates a fascinating trajectory of growth, innovation, and an enduring commitment to artistic excellence. Her memories are a nostalgic nod to the past while also celebrating the impressive strides the industry continues to make.
