Bollywood has always been family-driven, where dynasties rule the silver screen. While the Kapoor, Khan, and Bachchan families are widely recognised, several surprising relationships in Bollywood have gone largely unnoticed. Here’s a look at some lesser-known family ties that connect some of the biggest stars in the industry.
1. Ranveer Singh & Sonam Kapoor – Bollywood’s Most Stylish Cousins
Ranveer Singh and Sonam Kapoor are both fashion risk-takers, but few know that they are distant cousins. Ranveer’s mother, Anju Bhavnani, is related to Sonam’s maternal family (Kapoor family), hence the connection. This is why they get along well at parties even though they have never worked together on screen.
2. Shabana Azmi & Tabu – A Legacy of Acting Powerhouses
Award-winning actress Tabu is the niece of Shabana Azmi. Tabu’s mother, Rizwana, is the sister of Shabana Azmi. As they both are excellent performers of parallel cinema, it’s apparent that acting skills are in the blood.
3. Alia Bhatt & Emraan Hashmi – The Bhatt Family’s Extended Branch
Most fans wouldn’t know Alia Bhatt and Emraan Hashmi are cousins. Emraan’s mother, Maherahh Hashmi, and Alia’s grandmother, Shirin Mohammad Ali, were sisters. Both have very close relationships with Mahesh Bhatt’s production house, significantly contributing to their careers.
4. Aditi Rao Hydari & Kiran Rao – A Royal Connection
Aditi Rao Hydari, famous for her royal on-screen presence, has real royal blood and is a relative of director Kiran Rao (ex-wife of Aamir Khan). Their family lineage returns to Hyderabad’s princely state, so they are distant cousins.
5. Farhan Akhtar & Sajid Khan – A Surprise Filmmaking Connection
Farhan Akhtar and Sajid Khan can have distinct approaches to filmmaking, but they belong to the same family. Their mothers, Honey Irani (mother of Farhan) and Menaka Irani (mother of Sajid), are sisters. That makes Farhan, Zoya Akhtar, Sajid Khan, and choreographer Farah Khan all members of the same extended family.
6. Kajol & Rani Mukerji – The Mukherjee Clan’s Famous Daughters
Two of Bollywood’s most celebrated actresses, Kajol and Rani Mukerji, are first cousins. Their fathers, Shomu Mukherjee (Kajol’s father) and Ram Mukherjee (Rani’s father), were brothers. Despite their rumored rivalry in the past, their Mukherjee family legacy connects them.
7. Karisma Kapoor & Kunal Kapoor – An Unexpected Bachchan Link
Kunal Kapoor, best known for his role in Rang De Basanti, is indirectly linked to Karisma Kapoor through marriage. Kunal is married to Naina Bachchan (Amitabh Bachchan’s niece). Given Karisma was once engaged to Abhishek Bachchan, this family connection almost became even more substantial.
8. Hema Malini & Amrita Rao – A Lesser-Known Bond
Bollywood’s iconic “Dream Girl” Hema Malini and actress Amrita Rao share a distant family connection. While it hasn’t been widely publicised, their lineage connects them, making Amrita part of an extended Bollywood dynasty.
9. Anil Kapoor & Boney Kapoor – Brothers Who Built Bollywood Dynasties
Anil Kapoor and Boney Kapoor are brothers, but people do not know the extent of their family relationship. Arjun Kapoor (son of Boney Kapoor) and Jhanvi Kapoor (daughter of Sridevi) are Anil Kapoor’s niece and nephew. With Harshvardhan and Sonam Kapoor working in the industry as well, the Kapoor family is still a Bollywood force to be reckoned with.
10. Ashutosh Gowariker & Ayan Mukerji – The Hidden Filmmaking Link
Director Ayan Mukerji (Brahmāstra) is related to Ashutosh Gowariker (Lagaan, Jodhaa Akbar). Ayan’s connection links to Sunita Gowariker, Ashutosh’s wife, to bind two big filmmakers in the industry.
Bollywood: More Than Just an Industry, A Family
While some stars openly embrace their Bollywood lineage, others prefer to carve their own path without highlighting their family ties. Regardless, these hidden relationships prove that Bollywood isn’t just an industry—it’s an extended family where connections run deep, often in unexpected ways.
Also Read: How Poonam Dhillon Changed Bollywood’s On-Set Comfort
