In the world of cinema several families have built legacies over generations with each new member adding to their illustrious surname. These film dynasties have moulded the industry over the years with their stars often becoming household names. However there are instances where even talented actors from such families despite delivering hit films fail to achieve the same level of recognition. Today we will talk about one such actor whose contributions to the industry have often been overlooked despite his success on the big screen. The actor is Trilok Kapoor.
Meet the actor
Trilok Kapoor the second son of Dewan Basheshwarnath Kapoor and the younger brother of legendary actor Prithviraj Kapoor was one of the highest-paid actors of his time. He entered the film industry in 1933 with Homi Wadias Char Dervesh. Later he was seen in several films including Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswathi Ram Teri Ganga Maili Purana Mandir and Pyar ki Baatein. He worked alongside the leading actresses of his time including Noor Jehan Nalini Jaywant Sushila Rani Patel Meena Shorey and Sulochana.
Why was he never recognised?
Between 1933 and 1947 Trilok Kapoor featured in over 30 hit films a number that far exceeded the hit count of other Kapoor stars including Shammi Kapoor (28) and Raj Kapoor (17). However most of these films were small-budget and low-scale hence he was never called a superstar throughout his career.
He was last seen in cameos and supporting roles
While Trilok Kapoor became a prominent lead actor in the 1930s and 1940s the actor started working as a supporting actor in films like Saudagar Do Premee Ganga Jamunaa Saraswathi and Ram Teri Ganga Maili in the 1970s. He also made cameos in films like Saaya Akanksha and Wafaa until he died in 1988.

Born in the Kapoor Haveli in Peshawar he later moved to Mumbai. The road where he resided in Chembur was named after him and is called Trilok Kapoor Marg. Trilok Kapoor has two sons Vicky Kapoor and Vijay Kapoor. While Vicky Kapoor is a lawyer and politician Vijay is a film director. Trilok Kapoors last film was Akaanksha in 1988 which was directed by his son Vijay Kapoor.