Being a Kapoor, acting is genetic: Kareena

When Kareena Kapoor says that acting is in her genes, the actress, who represents the fourth generation of her family, is absolutely right as the Kapoor family enjoys about an 85-year long association with arclight, greasepaint and camera.

It was Kareena's great-grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor who laid down the foundation of acting in the family by entering showbiz in 1928, which was taken forward by his three sons - Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor whose wife Jennifer was the first female from the clan to act in movies.

Later, all three sons of Raj Kapoor - Randhir, Rishi and Rajeev faced the camera. In the fourth generation, it was Randhir and actress Babita's daughter Karisma who carried forward the legacy of her family. Later, Kareena followed in her sister's footsteps.

As Indian cinema celebrates its 100 years, talking about her association with filmdom, Kareena told IANS: "Being a Kapoor, acting is genetic. My sister paved the way for me in the industry when she became the first Kapoor girl to take up acting."

Reminiscing of filmdom as a child, Kareena said she would accompany Karisma, who entered filmdom in 1991 with "Prem Qaidi", to the sets and has grown up with the industry.

"As a child, I used to accompany Lolo (Karisma) to the sets of her films, so I've seen the industry grow and vice versa. I have nothing but the highest regards for the industry," said Kareena, who completes 13 years in filmdom and has been part of over 45 films, including hits like "Ajnabee", "Aitraaz", "Jab We Met" and "3 Idiots".