Karisma Kapoor Reflects on Early 2000s Engagement
Karisma Kapoor’s personal life has once again captured attention following the passing of her ex-husband Sunjay Kapur on June 12, 2025. His sudden demise due to a heart attack brought people back to various chapters of Karisma’s life, including her high-profile engagement with actor Abhishek Bachchan in the early 2000s.
The engagement was a grand affair, announced during Amitabh Bachchan’s 60th birthday celebrations, shocking Bollywood and fans alike. However, within a year, in 2003, the wedding was called off for reasons that remained private to the families. Karisma later went on to marry Delhi-based industrialist Sunjay Kapur, while Abhishek found his partner in Aishwarya Rai, marrying her in 2007.
Calling the Experience ‘Traumatic’
Karisma has described the broken engagement as traumatic, emphasizing the emotional toll it took. In a candid 2003 interview with Rediff, she revealed, “It was deliberate. I withdrew into a shell. I just was not ready to go public with my grief. I chose a dignified silence because that is the kind of person I am. I have always been a woman of few words.”
The actress highlighted how navigating heartbreak under public scrutiny added extra pressure. Ending a relationship is challenging in private, but doing so in the spotlight amplified the pain and required emotional resilience.
Healing with Time and Reflection
Karisma also spoke about her journey toward acceptance. She stated, “The beginning of this year was traumatic for me. I wouldn’t wish any girl to go through it. I was forced to deal with my hurt and pain on my own. I guess time is the best healer. Though I have been through a lot, I have come to terms with whatever has happened. All I will say is, whatever is destined is bound to happen. I was emotionally unprepared to confront my problems. Life deals you different cards. You have to just go with the shuffle.”
Her words underline the importance of patience and self-care when dealing with emotional crises, especially those experienced in the public eye.
Family Support Played a Key Role
Karisma credited her family and close friends for helping her overcome the trauma. She said, “I couldn’t have come out of my trauma if it wasn’t for my parents [Babita and Randhir Kapoor], sister [Kareena], my Dadiji [Krishna Raj Kapoor], my two Buas [Rima Jain and Ritu Nanda], and my close friends.”
This support network, she explained, allowed her to process the heartbreak privately while gradually regaining emotional stability.
Life Moved Forward for All Parties
After the split, Abhishek Bachchan eventually married Aishwarya Rai in 2007. The couple became parents to their daughter Aaradhya in 2011. Karisma, on the other hand, married Sunjay Kapur, and the two remained together until his passing in June 2025.
The story highlights how personal setbacks, even those under intense public scrutiny, can be managed with support, patience, and acceptance. Karisma’s reflections offer insight into resilience and emotional growth.