Maheep Kapoor — jewellery designer, television personality, and one of the most candid voices to emerge from the Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives franchise — sits down for an exclusive cover interview. At 52, wife to actor Sanjay Kapoor and mother to Shanaya Kapoor, she speaks about finding herself later in life, embracing ageing on camera, and why contentment is her version of success.
The cover shoot unfolds like controlled chaos—phones buzzing, assistants hovering, and outfit changes timed to the minute. In the middle of it all sits Maheep Kapoor, calm, composed and quietly in command. Between takes, she checks in on her businesses, answers work calls, sips coffee, laughs with the team and patiently waits as makeup is retouched yet again. There is no impatience, no starry fuss—just a woman deeply aware of the rhythm of her life. Multitasking comes naturally to Maheep; she has lived long enough in the spotlight to know that balance is not about slowing down but about knowing when to pause. As the camera clicks and stylists make last-minute adjustments, she listens intently, present in every moment. It is this effortless ability to juggle roles—entrepreneur, mother, wife, public figure—that defines her today.
Maheep Kapoor on Growing Up in the Public Eye
Maheep Kapoor has lived much of her adult life under constant public scrutiny, a reality that began the moment she married into the Kapoor family. "Initially, I was very conscious about the press," she admits. "I was very young, and I cared deeply about what people said. "Fame, at that stage, felt intrusive rather than affirming. Over the years, however, her relationship with public attention has evolved into something far more grounded.
Today, fame comes attached to her work rather than her identity alone. The overwhelming response to Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives shifted her perception. "When people come and talk to me about the show, it's a high," she says. "It's a reflection of my work, and I love that." Whether in Mumbai or Dubai, where she is currently travelling, the recognition continues—and now, it feels validating rather than overwhelming. "It's a pat on my back," she smiles. "People talk about it because they like it."
Redefining Success on Her Own Terms
Ask Maheep what success means to her today, and her answer is refreshingly unpretentious. "Success is very relative," she says candidly. "If your benchmark is Shah Rukh Khan, you'll always feel the glass is half empty. " For her, success has never been about comparison.
Instead, she views her life as inherently successful. "I am happy and healthy. My kids and my family are happy and healthy. "I'm surrounded by good friends," she says. "That, for me, is success." It's a philosophy rooted in contentment rather than ambition, in gratitude rather than external validation—a mindset that clearly reflects her emotional maturity.
Maheep Kapoor on Ageing, Acceptance and Liberation at 52
At 52, Maheep Kapoor speaks openly about ageing in front of the camera—a reality few women are encouraged to embrace. "I started dating Sanjay when I was 19 or 20," she reflects. "So I've aged in front of the camera." Her debut on Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives at 48 marked a turning point—not just professionally, but personally.
Ageism, she admits, was a conversation that initially bothered her. "People were talking about it a lot," she says. "But not anymore." With time came resilience. "By the time you're 52, you grow a thick skin. I feel liberated now." There's a quiet strength in her voice as she adds, "If I can help even one woman understand that it's a privilege to grow old in front of the camera, that would mean something."
Finding Herself Later in Life — And Loving It
How Karan Johar's Call Changed Everything
Interestingly, Maheep never consciously set out to carve a distinct public identity. "It wasn't my choice," she clarifies. Comfortable being Sanjay Kapoor's wife and Shanaya and Jahaan's mother, she was content behind the scenes. The call from Karan Johar changed that. "He came to me and said they wanted me to do the show."
What followed was unexpected. The show became a success, and with it came a wave of love that surprised even her. "When I saw the love from people, it was like I had tasted blood," she laughs. "I came into my own after that." The experience taught her an important lesson—one she believes every woman should hear. "It's never too late to go out there. I didn't plan it, but I'm forever grateful it happened."
Maheep Kapoor on Motherhood and Raising Shanaya Kapoor
Maheep's bond with her daughter, Shanaya, is one of mutual respect and warmth. When asked about the values she has tried to instil, her answer is simple yet profound. "Take everything with a pinch of salt," she says. "Always look at life as a glass half full. That's when life becomes beautiful." Kindness, above all, remains non-negotiable. "Being kind to people is the most important thing," she adds.
As Shanaya steps into her own professional journey, Maheep and Sanjay have consciously chosen not to micromanage. "We want her to come to us for advice," she explains. "But we've made it clear—the final decision has to be hers. "Mistakes", she believes, "are essential." "Whatever she does, right or wrong, they have to be her mistakes. That's how she'll learn and grow." The support is unwavering, but the independence is intentional.
Marriage, Patience and Choosing Each Other — Maheep Kapoor on Her Relationship With Sanjay Kapoor
Maheep speaks about marriage with refreshing realism. "Marriages today are really fickle," she says. "People don't have patience." For her, marriage has always been about endurance, understanding and choice. "You don't leave your children if they irritate you," she points out. "Everything has ups and downs."
Her relationship with Sanjay Kapoor has weathered its share of challenges, but the foundation remains solid. "We are supportive of each other and always there at each other's side," she says simply. It may sound basic, she admits, but "that's what it's all about."
Friendship as the Foundation of Love
Over the years, Maheep has learned that marriage evolves as people do. "We've grown up in front of each other," she reflects. Perspectives change, priorities shift, but what anchors the relationship is friendship. "We are really good friends," she says. "He knows I'm always there for him, and vice versa."
For Maheep, companionship defines partnership. "That's what marriage is all about," she says firmly. "Period."
Looking Ahead: Maheep Kapoor on Gratitude, Growth, and What Excites Her About Life in 2025
As she reflects on the road ahead, Maheep's optimism feels deeply rooted. "So much excites me about life," she says. Watching her children blossom tops the list. "As you grow older, you become appreciative of every breath, every step, everything."
Professionally, she looks forward to exciting opportunities—for herself and her family. Above all, gratitude defines this phase. "I feel very blessed," she says softly. "I'm very grateful to the almighty for it all."
As the shoot wraps and Maheep steps back into her multitasking rhythm—calls resumed, schedules checked, family messages answered—it's clear that her greatest strength lies not in perfection, but in presence. In a world obsessed with reinvention.
Team Credits:
Creative Director & Stylist: Pooja Gupta, Spectrum Styles
Photographer: Shivam Vashisht
Outfit/Brands: Ganga Fashions, Shraddha Rambhia & Aravesh by Sonal
Jewellery: Tyaani Jewellery
Makeup Artist: Dishi Sanghvi
Hair: Sony
Location Partner: Trove9 - Luxury Rooftop Lounge
Assistant Stylist: Dhruvi Jain
Styling Intern: Sara Sangwan
