In pictures: Celebrating 100 years of the 'greatest showman of Indian cinema'
BBC
·4-min read
Raj Kapoor, fondly called the "greatest showman of Indian cinema", was a leading filmmaker, producer and actor whose work continues to shape and inspire Indian films.
Today, almost four decades after his death in 1988, he remains one of India's most-loved stars.
Kapoor began his film career in India's post-independence era. His early work often carried a socialistic undertone, mirroring the country's mood and aspirations of the time.
"Kapoor brought romance, sexuality, song and soul to Indian socialism," said historian Sunil Khilnani, in Incarnations: India in 50 Lives, a 2015 BBC Radio 4 series on the men and women who made India.
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So perhaps it isn't surprising that celebrations to mark what would have been his 100th birthday on Saturday are taking place across the country, honouring his enduring legacy.
Among them is a retrospective showcasing 10 of his iconic films that will screen across 40 cities and 135 cinemas in India at the weekend.
Kapoor's directorial debut Aag (1948) marked the beginning of RK Films and his legendary pairing with Nargis. Their magnetic chemistry lit up the screen, making them an iconic onscreen duo. [Film Heritage Foundation]
Barsaat (1949), a tale of love and longing, was Kapoor's first major hit as a director. It also firmly established RK Films as a powerhouse studio. [Film Heritage Foundation]
Awara (1951) showcased Kapoor's iconic tramp character inspired by Charlie Chaplin and introduced the unforgettable song, Awara Hoon, still celebrated globally. The film was a box-office sensation, not just in India but worldwide - it garnered unprecedented success in the former Soviet Union. [Film Heritage Foundation]
Born as Shrishti Nath Kapoor to actors Prithviraj Kapoor and Ramsarni Kapoor, he later took the name of Ranbir Raj Kapoor and debuted as a child actor in Inquilab (1935).
Before making waves on screen, Kapoor honed his craft behind the scenes - assisting filmmaker Kidar Sharma, working as an art director at his father's Prithvi Theatre, and appearing in smaller roles.
His breakout came with Neel Kamal (1947), launching a storied career that combined artistic ambition with mass appeal.
Shree 420 (1955), Kapoor's iconic reprise of his tramp character, became the highest-grossing film of the year. Featuring songs like Mera Joota Hai Japani - a patriotic anthem that resonated deeply with newly independent India - the film remains a timeless classic celebrated for its music, storytelling and Kapoor's charm as an actor. [Film Heritage Foundation]
Jagte Raho (1956) explores the stark divide between the rich and poor as Kapoor portrays a villager searching for water in the city. A shortened version of the 149-minute film won the Crystal Globe Grand Prix at the 1957 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in Czechoslovakia. [Film Heritage Foundation]
Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (1960) is an award-winning film featuring Kapoor as a rustic hero who believes in the cleansing power of the Ganges river. Set against a compelling love story and the backdrop of bandits, the film is celebrated for its powerful narrative and a memorable soundtrack. [Film Heritage Foundation]
Sangam (1964), Raj Kapoor's first colour film and a romantic drama, was the first Indian film shot exclusively abroad in iconic locations like London, Paris, and Switzerland. One of the most expensive films of its time, it shows a complex love triangle with stellar performances from Kapoor, Vyjayanthimala and Rajendra Kumar. [Film Heritage Foundation]
Mera Naam Joker (1970) tells the bittersweet story of Raju, a clown played by Kapoor who brings laughter to others while grappling with his own hardships. Despite its emotional depth, the film struggled at the box office. But later, it gained a cult following for its exploration of themes like love, sacrifice and loneliness. [Film Heritage Foundation]
In 1948, Kapoor founded the iconic RK Films studio, synonymous with blockbuster films and international acclaim.
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He debuted as a director with Aag (1948) and showcased his versatility as an actor and filmmaker in landmark films like Barsaat (1949), Awaara (1951), Shree 420 (1955), and Sangam (1964). Other popular works include Mera Naam Joker (1970), Bobby (1973), Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978), and Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985).
All pictures courtesy of RK Films and Film Heritage Foundation
Bobby (1973), directed by Kapoor, was a game-changing blockbuster that introduced the concept of teenage romance to Indian cinema. Marking the debut of his son Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia, the film became an iconic coming-of-age story. [Film Heritage Foundation]
Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985), Kapoor's final directorial venture, was a box-office hit featuring Mandakini and Rajiv Kapoor, the icon's third son. On 2 May 1988, Kapoor suffered a severe asthma attack during an awards ceremony. He died in June, leaving behind his wife and five children. [Film Heritage Foundation]
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