On May 2, 2025, Bollywood lost one of its most cherished figures, Nirmal Kapoor. At 90, she passed away due to age-related complications at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. Dr. Santosh Shetty, CEO and Executive Director of the hospital, confirmed her peaceful passing at 5:25 pm. Surrounded by her family, she left behind a legacy that continues to shape Indian cinema.
A Somber Farewell to Nirmal Kapoor
The very next day, on May 3, the Kapoor family and close friends gathered at Vile Parle crematorium for her final rites. As her mortal remains arrived, adorned with garlands and flowers, an air of solemn respect filled the space. Her children—Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Kapoor, and Reena Kapoor Marwah—stood alongside her grandchildren, including Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Arjun Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, Shanaya Kapoor, Rhea Kapoor, and Harshvardhan Kapoor. Their grief was visible, their unity unshaken.
Moreover, the film fraternity came together to pay their respects. Directors, actors, and industry veterans, including Siddharth Anand, Farhan Akhtar, Karan Johar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Ayan Mukerji, Tanvi Azmi, Jackie Shroff, Ramesh Sippy, and Arbaaz Khan, arrived to bid her farewell. Their presence reflected not only the Kapoor family’s contribution to cinema but also the personal bonds they nurtured over the decades.
A Pillar of Bollywood’s Golden Legacy
Nirmal Kapoor was more than just the matriarch of a film dynasty. She was a bridge between generations. From the early days of black-and-white classics to the vibrant landscape of modern Bollywood, she witnessed the industry’s transformation firsthand.
She was married to filmmaker and producer Surinder Kapoor. While he pursued his creative ambitions, she became the unwavering support behind the family’s success. She raised four children—Boney, Anil, Sanjay, and Reena—who each carved their own paths in the entertainment industry. Through them and their children, she remained at the center of a cinematic empire.
A Life of Quiet Strength
Despite her family’s fame, Nirmal Kapoor chose to stay away from the spotlight. However, her presence was deeply felt. Whether in family gatherings or rare public appearances, she exuded grace and dignity, earning admiration from peers and fans alike.
Her 90th birthday, celebrated in September 2024, became a final testament to her life filled with love, laughter, and generations of memories. That gathering, marked by warmth and joy, now holds even greater significance for those who cherished her.
A Legacy That Lives On
As condolences pour in from across the country, the Kapoor family mourns privately, supported by an industry that deeply respected the woman behind the scenes. Though she may no longer be physically present, her influence and legacy will continue to be felt through the generations she shaped and the cinema she silently strengthened.
Through her family and the memories they hold, Nirmal Kapoor’s story will never fade. It remains woven into the fabric of Indian cinema—a quiet force that shaped history with grace, resilience, and boundless love.
