Dimple Kapadia Reveals Struggles with Leprosy at 12 Led to Iconic Role in Raj Kapoor’s ‘Bobby’

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/31st July 2024

Dimple Kapadia recently shared a deeply personal account of her life, revealing that she struggled with leprosy at the age of 12. This condition, which she described as affecting her elbow, unexpectedly played a pivotal role in her journey to becoming a leading actress. In a conversation with the FICCI Flo Jaipur Chapter, Kapadia recounted how this early health challenge ultimately led to a significant turning point in her career.

Kapadia, who would later star as the lead in Raj Kapoor’s acclaimed film “Bobby,” recalled a troubling episode from her youth. She revealed that during her battle with leprosy, a family friend threatened her with social exclusion from school, a term she had not even fully understood at the time. This incident, she said, was particularly painful and isolating.

Despite these challenges, Kapadia’s story took a dramatic turn when her medical condition inadvertently led her to Raj Kapoor. The renowned director, intrigued by the reports of a “beautiful girl” suffering from leprosy, expressed a desire to meet her. Kapadia attributed this serendipitous meeting to her eventual casting in “Bobby,” which she described as a magical period in her life. “Raj Kapoor wanted to meet this girl. He was told there is this beautiful girl and she is suffering from leprosy. Out of this kind of a setback, there was a lot to gain and that’s how I got Bobby,” she shared. The film, she added, marked a remarkable phase where her every wish seemed to come true.

Kapadia’s path to securing the role of Bobby was not without its hurdles. Initially, she was rejected by Raj Kapoor, who felt she looked older than her co-star, Rishi Kapoor. Recalling this experience, she mentioned reading about the auditions in a newspaper and expressing to her friends that she was meant for the role. Despite her enthusiasm, her first audition did not go as planned, leaving her disheartened. Kapadia reminisced about writing in her notebook as a form of personal reflection during those times, wondering how things would turn out.

However, fate had a different plan. Raj Kapoor later reconsidered and called Kapadia back for another audition. This second chance led to her landing the role, and her career took off from there. “He called me back again and it was all right from there on,” she said, reflecting on the pivotal moment that changed her life.

Kapadia’s candid revelations highlight the unexpected turns in her journey from a young girl battling leprosy to a celebrated actress in one of Indian cinema’s most iconic films. Her story not only underscores the personal struggles she overcame but also the serendipitous events that shaped her career. Her experience with Raj Kapoor and the film “Bobby” remains a testament to how even the most challenging situations can lead to extraordinary opportunities.