Raj Kapoor’s impact on Indian cinema is profound, and his legacy endures through the timeless nature of his films actor, producer, and director Raj Kapoor, widely regarded as the greatest showman in the history of Indian cinema and entertainment would have turned 99 if he was alive today.
Enduring Legacy
Raj Kapoor referred to as the ‘Showman of Indian Cinema’, had a larger-than-life persona and left behind a rich and enduring legacy in Indian and global cinema. Known for his charismatic screen presence and versatile acting, Raj Kapoor played a pivotal role in influencing and popularizing Hindi cinema. He was a key figure in the industry during the post-independence era and contributed significantly to the evolution of Indian cinema. The legendary actor was born in Peshawar, Pakistan, to father Prithviraj Kapoor and mother, Ramsarni Devi Kapoor. He had an illustrious career spanning more than two decades and has won many accolades including 3 National Film Awards and 11 Filmfare Awards in India.
At the age of ten, he appeared in a Hindi film for the first time, in 1935’s ‘Inquilab’. Raj Kapoor’s big break came with the lead role in ‘Neel Kamal’ (1947) opposite Madhubala. It was her first role as a leading lady.
5 Iconic Films of the Unforgettable Star
Mera Naam Joker (1970):
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“The film that usually flashes in front of our eyes when we think of Raj Kapoor. He donned the director’s hat for this one, apart from playing the lead character in this film. The film tells the story of a circus clown who narrates his hurdles and disappointments comically to make his audience laugh. This melodramatic romance had three leading women, Simi Garewal, Kseniya Ryabinkin, and Padmini; this remains a cult classic for movie buffs.”
Sangam (1964):
The romantic film was directed, produced, and edited by Raj Kapoor at R. K. Studio. It stars Raj Kapoor, Vyjayanthimala Bali, and Rajendra Kumar in the lead roles. Popular actors of the day, Iftekhar, Raj Mehra, Nana Palsikar, Lalita Pawar, Achala Sachdev and Hari Shivdasani appear in supporting roles. A romantic drama, it was a major blockbuster in its time.
Shree 420 (1955):
It proved to be the highest-grossing Indian film of 1955. ‘Mera Joota Hai Japani’ sung by Mukesh became so popular that it became a youth anthem of the newly independent India at that time. It had Raj Kapoor and Nargis Dutt as the lead pair. The comedy musical was directed and produced by Kapoor based on a story by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas.
Awaara (1951):
Considered a classic, this romantic film features Raj Kapoor with Nargis. The film’s music, including the song ‘Awaara Hoon,’ remains hummable even today.
Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (1960):
Raj Kapoor starred, directed, and produced this poignant film on dacoit rehabilitation. It was well-received and featured popular songs. Raj Kapoor’s impact on Indian cinema is enormous. His legacy endured through the decades owing to the timeless nature of his films. The influence he had on subsequent generations of actors and filmmakers is easy to see. RK’s name spells magic in Bollywood even today. It would not be out of place to state that it has ensured an aura around successive members of the Kapoor family in the film industry.
Today, the Kapoor family is often known as “the First Family of Indian Cinema,” owing to Raj Kapoor’s legacy. His sons, Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, and Rajiv Kapoor, followed in his footsteps and left their stamp in the film industry.
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