Shakti Kapoor, a name that has been associated with countless Bollywood hits, recently opened up about his love story with wife Shivangi Kolhapure. The two have been married for 43 years now, but their journey was anything but smooth. Speaking about their love story, Shakti revealed how Shivangi gave up a promising career in acting and singing to build a life with him.
In an interview on the YouTube channel Timeout With Ankit, Shakti shared how he first met Shivangi on the set of the film Kismet. He was already established in the industry, while Shivangi was a young and talented child artist. Recalling their first meeting, Shakti said, “She was 12 years younger than me. We met on the sets, got to know each other, and soon fell in love. I kept thinking, ‘Where will I find someone like her?’ She was homely, beautiful, and had a golden heart.”
But their love story had its hurdles. Coming from different cultural backgrounds—Shakti from a Punjabi family and Shivangi from a renowned Marathi family—their relationship was met with strong opposition from Shivangi’s relatives. Shivangi’s family was particularly protective, given her ties to a distinguished lineage that included her sister, actress Padmini Kolhapure, and legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar.
Talking about the challenges they faced, Shakti recalled an emotional moment when he felt their love might slip away. “I told her that my work was being affected and that I needed to focus. That made her really angry, and for a moment, things felt uncertain,” he shared. However, their bond proved stronger than the hurdles.
Eventually, Shakti decided to take the leap and ask Shivangi to marry him. He described that moment with a laugh, “I literally begged her. I apologized for anything I’d done wrong and said I wanted to marry her. But I also told her something else—I wanted her to leave her career and be a housewife.”
Shivangi, who had a promising career ahead, chose love over everything else. The couple had a simple court marriage, and over time, her family accepted their relationship. Reflecting on her sacrifices, Shakti said, “She gave up everything—her singing, her acting career, and even faced her family’s disapproval—for me. Even today, I fold my hands and thank her for what she did.”
Shivangi’s decision to step away from the spotlight came as a shock to many. She had the talent and the backing of a family steeped in the arts. Despite this, she chose a quieter life with Shakti. “I owe so much to her,” he added. “It’s rare to find someone who supports you the way she did for me.”
Shakti and Shivangi’s story is not just about love but also about perseverance and sacrifices. The couple went on to have two children, Siddhanth and Shraddha Kapoor, who are now making their own marks in Bollywood.
Their love story stands as a testament to the choices people make for love and the strength it takes to stand against all odds. While Shakti Kapoor is known for his comedic and villainous roles on screen, it’s clear that his off-screen story is full of heart and devotion.
