57 Reasons to Love Neetu Singh

Bollywood veteran Neetu Singh, who is also Rishi Kapoor's wife and mother to Rockstar Ranbir Kapoor, turns 57 today. From when she began her on-screen journey at a very early age in the year 1966 to now, she has been admired for her talented and bubbly self. Lets have a look at the life of one of Bollywood's most vivacious actresses of all time, in pictures.

This image was posted on Instagram by Neetu Kapoor

Born in Delhi to Rajee and Darshan Singh, on July 8, 1958, Neetu went to the Hill Grange High School on Peddar Road, Mumbai.

She made her debut, under the name Baby Sonia, at the age of eight in the film Suraj (1966), followed by Dus Lakh (1966).

Little Neetu was then seen in a dream double role of twin sisters in the film Do Kaliyaan (1968). Based on Hollywood's The Parent Trap (1961), her performance as the twin sisters who try to reconcile their estranged parents in the film won the hearts of both filmmakers and audiences alike. She then appeared in films such as Waris (1969) and Pavitra Paapi (1970).

Neetu appeared in her first grown up role in Rikshawala, a box office flop, in 1972.

Neetu then accepted a tiny role in Yaadon Ki Baaraat which released in 1973. The film was declared a super duper hit and her song Lekar Hum Deewana Dil brought her overnight attention in the industry.

After Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Neetu Singh was seen in films like Shatranj Ke Mohre, Aashiana and Hawas.

Neetu's life actually changed when future husband Rishi Kapoor signed a slew of films with her, as he was desperately looking for a young actress to feature opposite him in films after his Bobby co-star Dimple Kapadia left showbiz to marry superstar Rajesh Khanna.

The hot new pair impressed both filmmakers and the audience with their on screen chemistry in hit films such as Khel Khel Mein (1975), Rafoo Chakkar (1975), Kabhie Kabhie (1976) and Amar Akbar Anthony (1977).

Neetu also went on to feature with other top actors of her time such as Shashi Kapoor in Deewaar (1975); Amitabh Bachchan in Adalat (1977), Parvarish (1977), The Great Gambler (1979) and Yaarana (1981); Randhir Kapoor in Kasme Vaade (1978); Rajesh Khanna in Chakravyuh (1978); Jeetendra in Dharam Veer (1977) and Priyatama (1978); and Shatrughan Sinha in Kaala Patthar (1979), for which she was nominated for a Filmfare Award as Best Supporting Actress.

Neetu and Rishi Kapoor married in 1980, after Rishi famously braved high fever to ask Neetu's father for permission to wed. Neetu quit Bollywood after becoming Mrs Kapoor, in keeping with the tradition of Bollywood's first family.

Neetu and Rishi Kapoor have two children, son Ranbir, who is the fourth generation actor in the Kapoor dynasty, and daughter Riddhima who is married to a Delhi based businessman.

Having devoted her time to her family and two children, Neetu Singh made her big film comeback after a hiatus of 26 years on the insistence of her actor husband.

Her return to Bollywood saw her in a brief role opposite Rishi himself in director Imtiaz Ali's Love Aaj Kal (2009).

In 2010, Neetu Singh and Rishi Kapoor starred together in the movie Do Dooni Chaar which won the National Award for the Best Hindi Film.

Neetu Singh appeared in a cameo in Yash Chopra's last film Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012).

And there's a triple treat in store with the upcoming Besharam which stars Neetu, Rishi and Ranbir Kapoor.

We wish Neetu Singh a very happy birthday

In 2013, Neetu Singh featured in Abhinav Kashyap's Besharam along with husband Rishi and son Ranbir.

The actress is a complete family person, and is spotted, more than often, at family outings and meetings.

This image was posted on Instagram by Neetu Kapoor

She was spotted at the Kapoor-hosted ceremony to celebrate veteran actor Shashi Kapoor's Dada Saheb Phalke Award earlier this year.

This image was posted on Instagram by Neetu Kapoor

In June 2015, she was spotted at an extravagant wedding ceremony with friends in Venice.

This image was posted on Instagram by Neetu Kapoor

Neetu Singh is also an adventurer at heart and keeps the world updated with her travel entries on social media. Here's wishing her a very happy birthday.

This image was posted on Instagram by Neetu Kapoor