Quiz master Phanindra Ivatury of the Netherlands reflects on the legacy of the late Raj Kapoor-an iconic actor, director, and producer-whose centenary will be celebrated on December 14.
UTRECHT (The Netherlands), Nov 17 (Bernama) -- Born as the eldest son of Prithvi Raj Kapoor who is the patriarch of the famous “Kapoor Khandan” (Kapoor family) of Bollywood, Raj Kapoor is arguably the most charismatic movie colossus to emerge from this mega clan spread across five generations now and counting.
“Mera Naam Joker” and “Bobby”:
My earliest remembrance of walking into a cinema hall to watch a Raj Kapoor film was euphoric for a hilarious reason. It was the theatrical re-release of his iconic 1970 movie “Mera Naam Joker” which had a run time of four plus hours.
When my father bought tickets and announced that the film would feature two intervals owing to its lengthy cut, it was a mouthwatering prospect for the kid in me to avail an extra chance to lay hands on more popcorn, cola and candy.
On a serious note, “Mera Naam Joker” was a courageous film that contributed to Raj Kapoor’s stature as the Indian equivalent of Charlie Chaplin.
Since Raj Kapoor, the brilliant ‘hero’ belonged to my earlier generation, it was the tonalities of his craft as a filmmaker that first made a lasting impact during my adolescent years. One such filmy gem was “Bobby”, a 1973 Raj Kapoor directorial launching his second son Rishi Kapoor as the leading man alongside Dimple Kapadia in the titular character. This trendsetter teen romance kept having numerous theatrical re-releases well into the late eighties.
Interestingly, there are any number of tabloid stories on how the blockbuster success of a watershed romance like “Bobby” rescued Raj Kapoor from the massive monetary losses suffered from producing “Mera Naam Joker”, a film which has now acquired a cult status.
“Prem Rog” and “Ram Teri Ganga Maili”:
“Prem Rog” (Sickness of Love) and “Ram Teri Ganga Maili” (Ram, Your Ganga is Tainted) are penultimate and ultimate films of Raj Kapoor as a director which were released during my teen years of 1982 and 1985 respectively.
Both the films had female protagonists with strong character arcs as the stories were narrated from their point of view.
“Prem Rog” is fondly remembered for Padmini Kolhapure’s poignant portrayal of a young widow who transcends through the travails of her life with dignified innocence. The film is also remembered for the bicycle song “Bhanware Ne Khilaaye Phool” shot at the picturesque tulip gardens of the Netherlands.
“Ram Teri Ganga Maili”(RTGM) was destined to be Raj Kapoor’s directorial swansong as “Henna”, a movie visualised by him after “RTGM” could only be completed under the direction of his son Randhir Kapoor post Raj Kapoor’s passing away.
RTGM offers a scathing look at societal exploitation that can decompose further with class and gender divide. Debutant actress Mandakini in the titular role was well appreciated though the bohemian showcasing of her character in certain scenes raised eyebrows.
Catching up with the Classics:
Most Indians from my generation grew up on parental tales highlighting the remarkable movies Raj Kapoor made, those which always seemed to know the pulse of the society.
Anecdotes about his onscreen chemistry with actress Nargis were also legendary. Of the ‘sweet sixteen’ movies in which the celebrated pair were featured together, “Andaz”, “Awara”, “Barsaat”, “Aag”, “Aah”, “Shree 420” and “Chori Chori” were timeless classics.
Though these films captured the zeitgeist of decades old societal times, they still enjoy a longevity magic, owing to the freshness and believability of characters.
The fragrance oozing out from such classics is ever fresh as it amuses me no end when I see my eighty plus mom still routinely crooning to “Ichak Dana Beechak Dana” from “Shree 420” while doing her daily chores.
‘From Russia with Love’:
Honourable Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the Indian diaspora during a recent visit to Russia, famously quoted a song from Raj Kapoor’s “Shree 420” mentioning a particular line which said “Sar pe laal topi rusi, phir bhi dil hai hindustani” (meaning “I have a red Russian hat on my head but still my heart is Indian”). The premier emphasised on how the iconic song symbolises ties between India and Russia.
It is a known fact that Raj Kapoor and his films enjoyed a huge following in Russia alongside some parts of Asia, Middle East, the Caribbean and Africa.
The quizzer in me is tempted to add another trivia fact that of the three heroines featured in Raj Kapoor’s “Mera Naam Joker”, actress Kseniya Ryabinkina was a ballet dancer from Russia.
Evergreen Musicals:
I grew up humming the chartbuster music from Raj Kapoor’s “Bobby” played day in and day out from a tape recorder at home during my childhood times in Iran.
Music has always been an integral part of RK movies and the showman was a connoisseur with a canny ability in picking the apt compositions to suit the mood and the elaborate canvas of his movies. Top notch lyrical quality often complimented the lilting tunes.
The RK Studios:
A year after India’s Independence in 1947, the RK Films banner was founded by Raj Kapoor with the production house headquartered at the RK Studios in Chembur, Mumbai.
After the commercial failure of the studio’s maiden venture “Aag” (1948), the first triumph came through “Barsaat” made in 1949, the success of which also inspired the studio to adopt its logo designed from the movie’s poster.
RK studios contributed some purposeful cinema over the decades often featuring stars from the entire Kapoor clan. During the glory days of the showman, the studios were also famous for hosting prominent Indian festivals like Ganesh Pooja and Holi where the who’s who of Bollywood used to be present.
A massive fire at the premises in 2017 made the property unviable prompting the Kapoor family to negotiate a sale, seventy years after it was built.
An Unabashed Celebration of Life:
Raj Kapoor’s movies celebrated the myriad colours of life. The stories that were converted into celluloid epics often reflected the vagaries of societal norms with love always trying to break those barriers. The female protagonist was often the ‘real hero’ of his films.
The ‘showman’ sobriquet attributed to him boastfully spells out the life he always lived king size, both on and off screen.
To quote a pearl of an opening line from one of his songs “Ek din bik jayega mati ke mol, Jag mein rehjayenge pyare tere bol” which means “One day you'll be sold for the price of clay, all that will be left in the world will be your words”
-- BERNAMA
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