Mumbai, August 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor has recalled how her younger sister Kareena Kapoor’s natural appearance in the 2001 historical drama Asoka challenged conventional ideas of how a leading heroine should look on screen.
Karisma spoke about Kareena’s acting journey and her childhood passion for performance in an upcoming episode of the dance reality show India’s Best Dancer Season 5, which celebrates the spirit of “India Wala Dance”.
Reflecting on Asoka, Karisma said she believed Kareena was among the first heroines to carry an entire film without conventional makeup. She noted that Kareena appeared without makeup, with only kajal around her eyes, and praised her for looking “organic” and beautiful.
“Ek naya daur hi chalu hua, you know, to be totally pure and organic. I’m proud of my sister,” Karisma said, describing the film as a turning point in the presentation of natural beauty on screen.
Karisma also said she had sensed from childhood that Kareena was destined for a career in acting and would become a major star. Recalling their early years, she said Kareena would watch her learn dance and had a passion for performing from a young age.
Asoka, directed and co-written by Santosh Sivan, starred Shah Rukh Khan as Emperor Asoka and Kareena Kapoor as Kaurwaki. The 2001 film offered a dramatised account of the early life of the Mauryan emperor while combining historical drama, romance and action.
Kareena’s portrayal of Kaurwaki became one of the notable early performances of her career. Her appearance in the film, including its distinctive eye makeup and earthy, period-inspired styling, has also attracted renewed attention on social media more than two decades after its release.
The film’s music, composed by Anu Malik, with background music by Sandeep Chowta, remains part of its enduring legacy. Its soundtrack featured songs including “Raat Ka Nasha”, “San Sanana”, “Roshni Se”, “O Re Kanchi” and “Aa Tayar Hoja”, with lyrics by Gulzar and Anand Bakshi.
“Raat Ka Nasha” continues to be remembered among the film’s popular romantic songs, while “San Sanana”, also associated with “Jaa Re Pawan”, has recently been gaining attention on social media.
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