Shekhar Kapur Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Movies, Net Worth, Awards, Height, Career

Shekhar Kulbhushan Kapur, professionally known as Shekhar Kapur, is an Indian filmmaker, director, actor, and producer renowned for bridging Bollywood and Hollywood with visually stunning narratives on power, identity, and human resilience.

He transitioned from a corporate career in accounting to cinema, debuting as an actor before directing cult classics like Masoom (1983) and the superhero hit Mr. India (1987).

Kapur achieved international acclaim with Bandit Queen (1994), a gritty biopic of Phoolan Devi that premiered at Cannes, followed by the Oscar-nominated Elizabeth (1998) starring Cate Blanchett, which earned seven Academy Award nods and a BAFTA for Best Film.

His sequel Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007) further solidified his global stature, while later works like What’s Love Got to Do with It? (2022) showcase his versatility.

Profile

• Full Name: Shekhar Kulbhushan Kapur
• Stage Name: Shekhar Kapur
• Born: December 6, 1945
• Age: 80 years old
• Birthplace: Lahore, Punjab, British India (now Pakistan)
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Filmmaker (Director, Actor, Producer)
• Height: 1.75m
• Parents: Kulbhushan Kapur, Sheel Kanta Kapur
• Siblings: Neelu Kapur, Aruna Sahni, Sohaila Kapur
• Spouse: Medha Gujral (m. 1954-1994), Suchitra Krishnamoorthi (m. 1999-2007)
• Children: Kaveri Kapur
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $25 million

Early Life and Education

Shekhar Kulbhushan Kapur was born on December 6, 1945, in Lahore to doctor Kulbhushan Kapur and journalist-stage actress Sheel Kanta Kapur. His family relocated to India post-Partition, shaping his multicultural lens amid Delhi’s vibrant arts scene.

Grew up alongside his siblings whose names are Neelu Kapur, Aruna Sahni, and Sohaila Kapur.

He attended Modern School in New Delhi before earning an economics degree from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi.

Kapur worked as a chartered accountant in London during the 1970s, managing multinational oil firms until acting beckoned via TV series Khandaan. He is of Punjabi roots ethnicity, with no public religious affiliation beyond cultural Hinduism.

Career

Shekhar Kapur stepped into filmmaking after acting gigs, directing his debut Masoom (1983), a poignant family drama with Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi that captured an illegitimate child’s quest for acceptance and became a critical darling.

He followed with blockbuster Mr. India (1987), a sci-fi superhero tale starring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi, whose villain Mogambo (“Mogambo khush hua!”) entered pop culture lexicon and grossed massively at the box office.

Kapur briefly helmed Barsaat (1995) before exiting, then executive-produced Dil Se.. (1998) with Mani Ratnam and Ram Gopal Varma.

Suchitra Krishnamoorthi became his muse in early ventures, while Bandit Queen (1994) thrust him onto the world stage with its raw portrayal of Phoolan Devi, premiering at Cannes amid controversy over its unflinching gaze on caste and violence.

Kapur vaulted to Hollywood with Elizabeth (1998), a lavish historical epic on Queen Elizabeth I that snagged seven Oscar nominations, a Golden Globe for Cate Blanchett, and BAFTA Best Film honors for its opulent visuals and political intrigue.

He directed the sequel Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007), earning two more Oscar nods despite mixed reviews, and tackled war drama The Four Feathers (2002) critiquing British imperialism.

Back home, he executive-produced Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bombay Dreams (2002-2004), bridging Bollywood flair to West End and Broadway success.

Kapur played cameos, like a trucker in Bandit Queen, and nurtured talents through his Indian film company. This era showcased his command of epic scale, cross-cultural appeal, and stylistic fusion, earning Padma Shri in 2000.

Shekhar Kapur mentors via masterclasses at institutions like Whistling Woods and SXSW, while advancing ambitious projects like water-crisis epic Paani, shelved yet revived in discussions.

He directed the romantic comedy What’s Love Got to Do with It? (2022) with Lily James, exploring modern arranged marriages.

Kapur influences through podcasts, jury duties at Venice and Locarno, and 2025’s Padma Bhushan for cinematic contributions. His legacy spans cult Bollywood hits, Oscar-caliber histories, and genre innovations, redefining Indian directors on global canvases with unflagging vision.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: Unknown
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Shekhar Kapur shared a long-term relationship with Shabana Azmi before marrying Medha Gujral (1954-1994) and Suchitra Krishnamoorthi (1999-2007), with whom he has daughter Kaveri Kapur.

He prioritizes creative solitude post-divorces, channeling energy into filmmaking and family bonds. Kapur resides between Mumbai and London, embracing a nomadic life reflective of his Partition-era roots.

Filmography

• Masoom (1983)
• Mr. India (1987)
• Bandit Queen (1994)
• Elizabeth (1998)
• The Four Feathers (2002)
• Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)
• What’s Love Got to Do with It? (2022)

Net Worth

Shekhar Kapur has an estimated $25 million net worth through directorial hits, production ventures like Bombay Dreams, and global accolades driving residuals and speaking fees. Bollywood blockbusters and Hollywood Oscar contenders form his financial core.