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She defied tradition by becoming the first woman in her family to act in films. Karisma Kapoor was just 17 when she began her career with Prem Qaidi (1991). Most of her career was lost to clichéd masala entertainers, but Kapoor did give a glimpse of her acting prowess in Fiza (2000) and Zubeida (2001). These films were critically acclaimed but Kapoor won more fans for her masala entertainers of the 1990s.
Karisma Kapoor wasn't the most gifted actress, nor was she a great dancer, but she had some memorable numbers filmed on her. Freestyle dance was the mantra those days and fans simply loved these chartbusters.
2 Baby Baby Mujhe Log Boley – Khuddar (1994)
Her nascent years in Hindi cinema saw Karisma having a child-like screen presence. The girl, though, was transformed into a chick with the Baby Baby track from Khuddar (1994). The word 'sexy' was deemed too racy those days and so Sexy Sexy Mujhe Log Bole became Baby Baby Mujhe Log Boley. Some compared Kapoor's look to that of a young Madonna. The bubbly actress came out of her comfort zone, donned a really short dress, and danced like no one was watching.
3 Sundara Sundara – Rakshak (1996)
Baby Baby saw Karisma Kapoor turn sexy, but the young lady discovered her true beauty in Rakshak. Gone were the messy hair and imperfect nose. Rumour had it that Kapoor had had a nose job done. It didn't matter. Fans simply went berserk over this track.
4 Dance of Envy – Dil To Pagal Hai (1997)
Karisma's rising stock helped her bag her maiden film with King of Hearts Shah Rukh Khan. And she also had eternal beauty Madhuri Dixit for company. Dil To Pagal Hai saw Kapoor scale new heights, bagging the Filmfare and National awards for Best Supporting Actress. Shiamak Davar unleashed the dancing diva in Karisma in this instrumental track. It was called The Dance of Envy, one that saw Karisma Kapoor go toe-to-toe with goddess of dance Madhuri Dixit. Envy is not such a bad thing after all.
5 Le Gayi Le Gayi – Dil To Pagal Hai (1997)
The Dance of Envy was breathtaking, but that was born of envy, depriving fans of Kapoor’s joyous smile. Le Gayi Le Gayi wasn’t a melody but it brought the smiling Karisma to the fore. Her sexy, uber-cool dresses warmed the hearts of every fashionista.
6 Sarkailo Khatiya Jada Lagey – Dulhe Raja (1994)
Seduction was a no-no, so filmmakers turned to innuendo to convey their message. The Sarkailo Khatiya track revealed a lot without actually revealing anything. The lyrics were an obvious invitation to conjugal bliss and, naturally, led to a furore. Karisma Kapoor took her pyjamas off, then rolled her kurti over to her face. Though deemed offensive by some, the scene wasn’t cut. The choreography was humorously erotic, perhaps a first in Hindi cinema. The moral police may have shut their eyes in disgust, but Kapoor's fans danced in tandem with her.
7 Tumsa Koi Pyaara – Khuddar (1994)
Simple choreography, simple lyrics, simple romantic music. The track made for pleasant viewing and it was music to ears. What made this track special was that Karisma Kapoor played a blind woman.
8 Husn Hai Suhana – Coolie No 1 (1995)
One of the many ‘No 1’ films Karisma Kapoor did with Govinda. Coolie No 1 largely had humble songs, but the Husn Hai Suhana track was one rollercoaster ride. Govinda was at his rollicking best and Kapoor, too, pumped in all her energy to dole out an electrifying number.
9 Pyar Dilon Ka Mela Hai – Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge (2000)
The new millennium saw Kapoor doing two films with Salman Khan – Chal Mere Bhai and Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge. The latter stood out for its light-hearted script and joyful tracks, some of which were shot at exotic locales. The Pyar Dilon Ka Mela track was like lovers on a holiday, dancing atop boats, going para-sailing, and riding a horse on a virgin beach. Watch out for Salman Khan in his dungarees.