The relationship between Karisma Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan was one of the most talked-about topics in Bollywood during the early 2000s. Their engagement, announced with much fanfare at Amitabh Bachchan's 60th birthday celebration, sent waves of excitement through the industry and their fans. However, this fairytale romance came to an abrupt end just a few months later, leaving many puzzled and heartbroken. The reasons behind their split have remained largely unspoken by both families, leading to widespread speculation and rumors that continue to resurface even today.

In the wake of their separation, Karisma Kapoor reportedly described the beginning of that year as "traumatic." In an interview given shortly after the breakup, she expressed that she wouldn't wish the experience on any other girl. She confessed to dealing with immense hurt and pain alone, relying on time as the ultimate healer. Karisma acknowledged the difficult period but conveyed a sense of acceptance, stating that whatever is destined is bound to happen and admitted she was emotionally unprepared to confront her problems. She expressed gratitude towards the media for their understanding and support, allowing her the space she needed to heal. She also credited her parents, sister Kareena, grandmother, aunts, and close friends for helping her overcome the trauma. Karisma stated she needed time to get over her personal problems and wasn't ready to sign on new films immediately.

Several factors are rumored to have contributed to the ভেঙ্গে যাওয়া. One prominent theory suggests that Karisma's mother, Babita, played a crucial role. Having raised Karisma and Kareena single-handedly after separating from Randhir Kapoor, Babita was known to be fiercely protective and pragmatic about her daughters' futures. She reportedly had concerns regarding Abhishek's financial stability and career prospects, as Karisma was already an established and successful actress while Abhishek was still finding his footing in the industry.

Another version of the story indicates that the Bachchan family was facing financial difficulties at the time due to a struggling production house and mounting debts. Allegedly, Babita insisted on a prenuptial agreement that would require Amitabh Bachchan to transfer a portion of his wealth to Abhishek to ensure Karisma's financial security. The Bachchans supposedly refused this demand, leading to the cancellation of the engagement.

Adding to the speculation, some reports suggest that Karisma was asked to give up her acting career after marriage. Rumors also circulated about Jaya Bachchan's controlling nature and her significant influence over Abhishek's decisions, which Karisma and her mother may have viewed as unfavorable.

Director Dharmesh Darshan, who worked with Karisma and Abhishek in the film "Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya," noted that Karisma seemed distracted during the movie's production, which coincided with the breakdown of their engagement. He observed that the usually vibrant and focused Karisma he had known during "Raja Hindustani" was not the same. His brother, Suneel Darshan, also wondered if the couple was truly meant for each other, recalling constant bickering between them on set.

In 2003, Karisma married Delhi-based businessman Sunjay Kapur. However, their marriage was far from smooth, and they eventually divorced in 2016. The divorce proceedings were highly publicized and acrimonious, with both parties making serious allegations against each other. Sunjay Kapur claimed that Karisma had married him for his money and that she was a rebound after her breakup with Abhishek Bachchan. He further alleged that she was a cruel mother who prevented him from seeing his children. Karisma's lawyers refuted these claims.

Following Sunjay Kapur's recent death on June 12, 2025, memories of his tumultuous relationship with Karisma have resurfaced. Karisma was seen at the Mumbai airport with her children, Samaira and Kiaan, as they left for Delhi to attend his funeral. Her sister, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and brother-in-law, Saif Ali Khan, accompanied them, offering support during this difficult time.

Despite the heartache and challenges she has faced in her personal life, Karisma Kapoor remains a celebrated figure in Bollywood. After taking a sabbatical from full-time acting in 2004, she has made sporadic appearances in films and web series, including "Mentalhood" (2020) and "Murder Mubarak" (2024). Karisma's career, marked by both critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifies her position as one of the leading actresses of her time.