Simple Kapadia was a promising actress of the 1970s and 80s who later found success as a celebrated costume designer. Some of her notable films include “Anurodh,” “Chakravyuha,” “Ahsaas,” and “Parakh.” She also designed the costume in films like “Lekin…,” “Ajooba,” Rudali,” “Darr,” “Chachi 420,” and many more.
Early Life and Career
Simple Kapadia was born on August 15, 1958, in Bombay into the family of Gujarati businessman Chunibhai Kapadia and his wife Betty Kapadia. She has two sisters: the elder Dimple Kapadia, the younger Reem Kapadia and a brother, Suhail (Munna) Kapadia.
The phenomenal success and marriage of Dimple Kapadia led to many film makers interested in Simple. She entered the world of cinema at the tender age of 18, making her debut in Shakti Samanta‘s “Anurodh (1977)” alongside her brother-in-law, Rajesh Khanna.
Simple Kapadia In Films
Her second film was Basu Chatterjee‘s “Chakravyuha (1978),” with Rajesh Khanna, Vinod Mehra, and Neetu Singh. She the acted in films like “Ahsaas (1979),” “Man Pasand (1980),” “Lootmaar (1980),” “Shakka (1981),” “Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981),” “Parakh (1981),” “Dulha Bikta Hai (1982),” “Jeevan Dhaara (1982),” “Tumhare Bina (1982),” “Hum Rahe Na Hum (1984),” “Rehguzar (1985),” and “Pyaar Ke Do Pal (1986).” Despite her promising start, Simple’s acting career was relatively short-lived.
After her acting stint, Simple discovered her passion for costume design, a field where she found her true calling. Her first film as a costume designer was Mukul Anand’s “Insaaf” in 1987. She followed it with films such as Shehzaade (1989), Drishti (1990), Lekin… (1990), Ajooba (1991), and Darr (1993).
Simple Kapadia – Costume Designer
One of her other standout works came in “Chachi 420 (1998),” where Simple showcased her versatility by designing costumes for Kamal Haasan’s character, who disguises himself as an elderly nanny. The costumes were pivotal in bringing out the comedic elements and the dual identity of the character.
Other Work
Some of her other notable work came in films like Barsaat (1995), Ghatak: Lethal (1996), Jaan (1996), Ajay (1996), Chachi 420 (1998), Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai (1998), Indian (2001), Kasam (2001), 23rd March 1931: Shaheed (2002), The Hero: Love Story of a Spy (2003), Rok Sako to Rok Lo (2004), Socha Na Tha (2005), Naksha (2006), and many more.
Her impeccable sense of style and understanding of character nuances led her to design costumes for some of the biggest names in Bollywood, including Amitabh Bachchan, Dimple, Bobby Deol, Kamal Hassan, Sunny Deol, Tabu, and Priyanka Chopra. Her work was not just about aesthetics but also about bringing characters to life through their attire.
Simple had a son, Karan Kapadia, with Rajinder Singh Shetty. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 but continued to work with determination and strength until her untimely demise on November 10, 2009
Simple Kapadia on IMDB
