In 2002, two of Hindi cinema's most prominent families, the Kapoors and the Bachchans, were set to form a monumental alliance. During the grand celebration of Amitabh Bachchan's 60th birthday, the relationship between his son Abhishek Bachchan and Raj Kapoor's granddaughter Karisma Kapoor was publicly acknowledged, quickly followed by the official announcement of their engagement. However, the joy shared by both families and fans was short-lived. Just a few months later, in early 2003, the engagement was abruptly called off. For decades, numerous rumors and speculations circulated across media outlets regarding the split, but both families maintained a dignified silence on the sensitive topic. Today, Abhishek Bachchan is happily married to Aishwarya Rai. Now, film director Suniil Darshan, who maintained a close professional and personal bond with Karisma Kapoor during that era, has shared insights into the breaking of this high-profile engagement and its aftermath.
The On-Set Romance and Wedding Preparations
Director Suniil Darshan had a deep working relationship with Karisma Kapoor during the peak of her career, having directed her in successful films such as 'Jaanwar', 'Ek Rishtaa: The Bond of Love', and 'Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya'. Suniil Darshan closely observed the development of Karisma and Abhishek's relationship over time. Recalling that phase in a detailed interview, he explained that their romantic bond had already begun taking shape prior to the filming of 'Ek Rishtaa' and grew stronger as time progressed. By the time he planned 'Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya', marriage plans between the two families were fully solidified. The pairing of Amitabh Bachchan's son and Raj Kapoor's granddaughter commanded immense public and media interest. Ironically, 'Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya' remained the only feature film in which Abhishek Bachchan and Karisma Kapoor shared the screen together.
An Eyewitness Account of the Day the Engagement Ended
Suniil Darshan recounted the exact day the engagement was officially cancelled, disclosing that he happened to be present at Karisma Kapoor's residence when the decision was finalized. According to the filmmaker, the cancellation was a tragic turn of events that caused severe mental stress and emotional turmoil for both individuals involved, the extent of which no outsider could fully comprehend. Immediately after the engagement was called off, Karisma Kapoor traveled to Bangkok to celebrate New Year. Upon returning from her Bangkok trip, news suddenly emerged that she had decided to marry businessman Sunjay Kapur. Suniil Darshan admitted that he could never quite comprehend her sudden decision to step into that marriage so quickly.
Addressing Rumors Surrounding Family Involvement
Following the split, media reports over the years frequently placed blame on either Babita Kapoor or Jaya Bachchan for the breakdown of the relationship. However, Suniil Darshan emphasized that holding any single individual or parent responsible is entirely inaccurate. Discussing the personal dynamics between the couple, he noted that while Abhishek and Karisma shared a passionate relationship, they also experienced significant temperament differences and ongoing conflicts. Their communication styles, mindsets, and ways of expressing affection were fundamentally different. Over time, these conflicts and personality clashes escalated, making the outcome inevitable and best understood as a matter of destiny.
Marriage to Sunjay Kapur, Family Life, and Later Developments
Just months after the engagement was called off, Karisma Kapoor married businessman Sunjay Kapur on 29 September 2003 in accordance with Sikh rituals. The marriage produced two children, Samaira and Kiaan. However, the marital relationship faced persistent friction, eventually leading to a prolonged legal dispute that culminated in a divorce in 2016. Following the divorce, Sunjay Kapur married model Priya Sachdev in 2017, and the couple had a son named Azarias. Later, in June 2025 at the age of 53, Sunjay Kapur tragically passed away after suffering a heart attack while playing polo in England when a fly unexpectedly entered his mouth. Suniil Darshan's recent reflections offer a detailed look back at one of the most widely discussed chapters in Indian cinema history.
