From Co-Stars to Kin: How Karisma Kapoor and Soni Razdan Bonded on the Sets of 'Brown'

As their respective children Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt tied the knot, actresses Karisma Kapoor and Soni Razdan found themselves forging a real-life bond while filming their new investigative thriller.

The filming schedule of the ZEE5 series Brown became an unexpected catalyst for a new personal chapter between two veteran performers. As Karisma Kapoor and Soni Razdan began their professional collaboration under the direction of Abhinay Deo, the off-screen world for both families was undergoing a major transformation. With the highly anticipated wedding of Karisma’s cousin, Ranbir Kapoor, to Soni’s daughter, Alia Bhatt, taking place in April 2022, the two actresses found their professional lives mirroring the union of their families.

An Unlikely Off-Screen Connection

While the two stars had crossed paths at various industry events and family functions over the years, they admit that they did not truly know one another until they shared the screen. Reflecting on the coincidence of the timing, Karisma Kapoor noted that the professional progression of the show mirrored the growing closeness of their families. Soni Razdan echoed this sentiment, sharing that the experience allowed them to move past the surface-level familiarity of public events and develop a genuine, meaningful relationship.

Bringing Depth to the Screen

In the Abhinay Deo-helmed thriller Brown, Karisma Kapoor takes on the mantle of a weary, trauma-stricken police officer, Rita Brown. Her character is portrayed as someone battling personal demons, often relying on substances to cope with the weight of her past. Within this gritty narrative, Soni Razdan plays her mother, providing a grounding, human element to the otherwise dark atmosphere of the investigative series.

The onscreen chemistry between the two serves as a vital reprieve from the show's suspenseful tone. Rather than indulging in sympathy, the character played by Soni Razdan offers a pragmatic, albeit affectionate, perspective. Karisma explains that these interactions, though simple—such as a mother checking if her daughter has eaten—add a layer of warmth and emotional authenticity to the story. This dynamic highlights the unique, often complex, nature of mother-daughter relationships, grounding the high-stakes drama in a relatable reality.

A New Chapter for the Series

Brown, which marks a significant streaming project for Karisma Kapoor following her earlier work in the crime comedy Murder Mubarak, has finally arrived on ZEE5 after going on floors in May 2022. The series, set against a backdrop of mystery and crime, aims to challenge conventional storytelling tropes by focusing heavily on the emotional internal lives of its protagonists. With the inclusion of seasoned actors like Soni Razdan and a narrative that balances tension with intimate family dynamics, the show offers a fresh perspective on the investigative genre.