In an exclusive revelation, Armaan Jain has opened up about the remarkable resilience of the legendary Kapoor family during recent tragedies, describing how they came together 'like an army' to support each other through difficult times. The creator of Netflix India's new special Dining with the Kapoors shared intimate details about family dynamics, food traditions, and the enduring legacy of his grandfather, the iconic Raj Kapoor.
Family Unity in Times of Crisis
Armaan Jain spoke candidly about two recent incidents that tested the Kapoor family's strength: the death of Karisma Kapoor's ex-husband Sunjay Kapur and the knife attack on Saif Ali Khan at the home he shares with Kareena Kapoor. According to Armaan, the family demonstrated extraordinary solidarity during these challenging moments.
'In times good and bad, the Kapoor family are very strong for each other,' Armaan revealed. 'We come together as an army. That started with the Raj Kapoor-Krishna Kapoor era, and I have seen that pass on to my mum. She will always have a smiling face.'
He emphasized that bouncing back from adversity is deeply ingrained in the family's character, calling it 'a generational thing' that forms part of their DNA. This resilience, he noted, traces back to Raj Kapoor's own ability to overcome professional setbacks, including the initial failure of Mera Naam Joker before his triumphant comeback with Bobby.
Raj Kapoor's Enduring Legacy Through Food
Despite never having met his legendary grandfather, who passed away when Armaan was just two years old, the young filmmaker has found a unique way to connect with Raj Kapoor's heritage. Through Dining with the Kapoors, Armaan explores the family's deep connection to food, which he identifies as a central thread binding generations of Kapoors together.
'His legacy is vast,' Armaan explained. 'All our family members are trying to take a piece of that legacy forward. What I've seen growing up, because I didn't meet him, is food, family, get-togethers, and gathering. That's what we're trying to do with Dining with the Kapoors.'
Director Smriti Mundhra, who previously helmed The Romantics docuseries about Yash Raj Films, highlighted the cultural significance of the Kapoor family's traditions. She noted that in an era where joint families and multigenerational homes are becoming rare, the Kapoors' ability to maintain connections through food and family gatherings represents something special worth preserving.
Family Dining Secrets Revealed
The Netflix special offers fascinating insights into the dining habits and personalities within the extended Kapoor family. Armaan shared some exclusive revelations about his famous cousins:
Karisma Kapoor emerges as the bigger foodie compared to her sister Kareena, with Armaan marveling at her metabolism that allows her to eat generously while maintaining her figure. He noted that all family members are diligent about working out to enjoy their meals without compromise.
When asked about outliers in the family, Armaan pointed to Neetu Kapoor as someone who has maintained strict dietary discipline for decades, being particularly careful about indulging in traditional Kapoor cuisine. He also mentioned that Saif Ali Khan thoroughly enjoys the family's food culture despite his intellectual reputation.
Regarding his cousins Agastya and Navya Nanda, Armaan described them as having 'the best of all their family members' with a mix of Nanda and Bachchan influences alongside their Kapoor connections.
The special, which comes during Raj Kapoor's 100th birth anniversary year, serves as both a celebration of family bonds and a testament to the Kapoors' ability to withstand life's challenges while preserving their unique traditions and legacy.
