The romantic relationship and subsequent breakup between Abhishek Bachchan and Karisma Kapoor remain among the most talked-about chapters in Indian cinema history. Over two decades ago, when fans and the film fraternity eagerly anticipated their wedding following a high-profile engagement, the sudden cancellation of the alliance left everyone astounded. While numerous theories have circulated over the years, dialogue writer Nasim Mukri, known for her work on the hit film Dhadkan, has shared unprecedented details regarding the breakdown of the relationship during a podcast interaction with Vicky Lalwani.
Financial Agreement Demands Led to Broken Engagement
According to Nasim Mukri, Karisma Kapoor's mother and former actress Babita Kapoor was disinclined toward the alliance right from the beginning. She claimed that Babita was dissatisfied with the relationship and eventually imposed a strict monetary precondition prior to the wedding. Considering that Karisma was at the peak of her career and a bigger star than Abhishek at the time, Babita insisted that Abhishek transfer a substantial sum running into crores of rupees directly into Karisma's bank account before marriage could proceed.
Nasim Mukri explained that Babita viewed this financial demand as a safeguard for her daughter's future. The intention was to ensure Karisma remained financially secure in the event of any future instability or discord in the marriage. However, the Bachchan family found this condition and attitude completely unacceptable. The disagreement over this monetary clause created an irreconcilable rift between the families, ultimately resulting in the engagement being called off. Following the split, Karisma later married Sunjay Kapur.
Romance Began Prior to Film Set Collaborations
Addressing common perceptions, Nasim Mukri clarified that the couple did not fall in love during the shooting of the film Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya. She stated that their romance had already blossomed long before production commenced, and the filming period simply provided them with continuous opportunities to work and spend time together.
The relationship was formally announced to the public in October 2002 when Jaya Bachchan introduced Karisma Kapoor as her future daughter-in-law at a media event. Despite the widespread excitement, the engagement came to an abrupt end in January 2003. Notably, neither the Bachchan family nor the Kapoor family has ever issued an official statement or publicly addressed the specific reasons behind the cancellation of the wedding in all these years.
Family Dynamics and Contrasting Choices Between Sisters
When asked why Karisma complied with her mother's demands despite her affection for Abhishek, Nasim Mukri highlighted Babita's highly controlling parenting style. She observed that young women during that era often deferred to strict parental authority, and Karisma consistently abided by her mother's choices.
Nasim Mukri also drew a contrast between Karisma and her sister Kareena Kapoor regarding their responses to family control. She noted that Kareena chose not to endure the strict environment and instead opted to live independently, whereas Karisma remained with her mother and acquiesced to her guidance. These claims, emerging two decades after the event, offer a detailed perspective on one of Bollywood's most enduring celebrity breakups.
