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When Randhir Kapoor revealed his alcohol habit led to marital issues with Babita, said, ‘I drank a lot and came home late’

It’s rare to see that level of vulnerability from the "old guard" of Bollywood, but Randhir Kapoor has always been known for his blunt, filter-free honesty.

February 16, 2026 / 14:40 IST
When Randhir Kapoor revealed his alcohol habit led to marital issues with Babita, said, ‘I drank a lot and came home late’
Snapshot AI
  • Randhir Kapoor says drinking strained his marriage to Babita
  • The couple separated in 1988 but reunited in 2023 after decades
  • Babita raised daughters Karisma and Kareena after their split

Veteran actor Randhir Kapoor once spoke with rare honesty about the personal struggles that affected his marriage to actress Babita, admitting that his drinking habits and lifestyle choices created deep cracks in their relationship.

In an old interview that continues to resurface as a reminder of the couple’s complicated journey, Randhir did not shy away from taking responsibility for the breakdown of their marriage.

Reflecting on their differences, he said, “She found that I was a terrible man who drank a lot and came home late, which was something she didn’t like. And I didn’t want to live the way she wanted, and she couldn’t accept me as I am, though it was a love marriage. So it’s okay.”

The couple had married on November 6, 1971, after a period of courtship. At the time, theirs was considered a high-profile love marriage in the film industry.

They went on to welcome two daughters — Karisma Kapoor in 1974 and Kareena Kapoor in 1980 — who would later become leading actors in Hindi cinema.

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However, despite their glamorous beginnings, differences gradually surfaced. Randhir admitted that his lifestyle did not align with Babita’s expectations of married life.

His late nights and heavy drinking became a recurring source of tension. Over time, the gap widened, eventually leading to their separation in 1988. Babita moved out with their daughters, and the couple lived separately for decades without formally divorcing.

In another interview, Randhir spoke about the financial pressures he faced during his peak years in Bollywood. Comparing his generation with today’s actors, he explained how limited earning avenues meant film work was their primary source of income.

“Today’s stars have become very choosy. They just do one film a year. That is because they also earn from endorsements, events and other avenues. We worked really hard to earn money. The tuition fees of my children, my electricity bills, Babita ke kharche, my Scotch, were all paid from the money that I earned from acting in films,” he said.

The actor, known for films such as Haath Ki Safai, Jawani Diwani, Biwi O Biwi and Hamrahi, enjoyed considerable success in the 1970s. But as the industry evolved and new stars emerged, his career witnessed a slowdown. Industry observers have often noted that his drinking habits and inconsistent professional choices may have contributed to his declining trajectory.

Despite their long separation, Randhir and Babita never publicly engaged in bitter exchanges. Over the years, both maintained a dignified silence about their personal issues. Babita focused on raising their daughters and played a key role in shaping Karisma and Kareena’s careers.

In 2023, the couple quietly reunited under the same roof after living apart for over three decades. The reconciliation was not marked by public statements or dramatic announcements, but it signaled a peaceful closure to a chapter that had remained unresolved for years.

Vaishnavi Gavankar is a senior entertainment journalist with over 8 years of experience covering Bollywood, Television, OTT platforms, and regional cinema.
first published: Feb 16, 2026 02:40 pm

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