Veteran Indian actor Pankaj Kapur, father of Bollywood star Shahid Kapoor, shared that his family traces its ancestral roots to Hafizabad, a city in Pakistan.

Appearing on the popular Indian podcast The Lallantop Show, Pankaj Kapur spoke candidly about his family’s history, saying, “Our grandfather had a transferable job, so he often moved from one place to another. However, we were told that our family originally belonged to Hafizabad, where the Kapoor family lived together as a joint family.”

Family history and connection to Lahore’s FC College

Pankaj Kapur revealed that his father was a writer, public speaker, and magazine editor at the prestigious Forman Christian (FC) College (now university) in Lahore, which was then a combined Indo-Pak institution before Partition.

“My father was a great writer and an editor at FC College. He was also a popular speaker and one of the most stylish people of his time,” Kapur shared during the conversation.

He emphasized that despite their ancestral link to Pakistan, his family did not experience displacement during Partition. “We were already living on this side (India) when the Partition happened, so we didn’t face any such problems,” he said.

Glimpse into the past

Host Saurabh Dwivedi asked Pankaj Kapur if his family had to migrate during Partition. Kapur replied, “No, we did not have to move during the partition. Our family was already settled in India, so we didn’t encounter any such issues.”

The interview offered a rare glimpse into the actor’s personal life and his deep respect for his family’s history and heritage, which bridges the cultural fabric between India and Pakistan.

Shahid Kapoor’s Bollywood legacy

Shahid Kapoor, one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors, is known for his standout performances in films such as Haider, Udta Punjab, Jab We Met, Padmaavat, Kabir Singh, and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.

His last two films were among his biggest box-office successes, cementing his reputation as a leading star of contemporary Hindi cinema. Despite his father’s strong presence in the industry, Shahid made his mark through dedication and talent, carving his own path to stardom.

He is married to Mira Kapoor, and the couple shares two children.

Pankaj Kapur’s distinguished career

A highly respected figure in Indian cinema and theatre, Pankaj Kapur has starred in acclaimed films such as Gandhi, Aadharshila, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Arohan, Mandi, Khandhar, Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho, Khamosh, Aitbaar, Aghaat, Happi, Jersey, Bheed, and Toba Tek Singh.

His nuanced performances and deep storytelling style have made him one of India’s most admired actors and directors, with a career spanning over four decades.