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Raj Kapoor, the man who gave Indian cinema its first dream sequence and made the world hum to Mera Joota Hai Japani, is turning 100!
Known as the "Showman of Indian Cinema," his films weren’t just about storytelling—they were about emotions, dreams, and sometimes, quirky ways of making even the simplest things unforgettable.
Did you know his films like Awaara and Shree 420 made waves even in countries like Russia and China long before globalization?
As PM Modi rightly puts it, his legacy isn’t just cinematic; it’s a cultural treasure that connects generations worldwide.
Let’s dive into how the Kapoor family plans to celebrate this remarkable milestone!
PM Modi Meets Kapoor Family
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognized Raj Kapoor's upcoming 100th birth anniversary as a monumental milestone in Indian cinema. During his recent meeting with the Kapoor family, PM Modi proposed that they honor the legendary filmmaker’s legacy by creating a documentary to highlight his global influence as a pioneer of "soft power."
Modi visited Raj Kapoor’s grandchildren and other relatives, such as daughter Rima Jain and daughter-in-law Neetu Kapoor, in anticipation of the filmmaker’s 100th birth anniversary on December 14. "Raj Kapoor's 100th anniversary marks an important landmark in India's film golden age. It began with Neel Kamal in 1947. "It is a significant contribution to the nation when we reflect on this 100-year journey," PM Modi stated.
This year we mark Shri Raj Kapoor Ji’s birth centenary. He is admired not only in India but all across the world for his contribution to cinema. I had the opportunity to meet his family members at 7, LKM. Here are the highlights… pic.twitter.com/uCdifC2S3C
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2024
"In the realm of diplomacy, there is considerable discussion about soft power." And at a period when this term wasn’t even coined, Raj Kapoor sahab showcased India’s soft power globally.
The prime minister subsequently suggested that the family capture Raj Kapoor's worldwide influence and the effect of his films using a visual medium. "Is it possible for us to make something, maybe a film that showcases Raj Kapoor's impact on the emotions and beliefs of people in Central Asia?"
His significant effect on their lives deserves to be revived and linked to the younger generation." "We need to find a way to connect this, and I believe it can be done," PM Modi remarked.
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Influence Of Raj Kapoor’s Movies
Considering the influence of Raj Kapoor's movies, the prime minister recounted an anecdote about former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his associate LK Advani. "During the Jan Sangh period, elections were held in Delhi and they did not win." Advani ji and Atal ji remarked, 'We've lost the elections; what should our next steps be?' "Let's watch a film." They went to watch a film, which was Raj Kapoor’s Phir Subah Hogi (1958), and afterward, "a new morning arrived," he remarked.
He recounted a story from his trip to China, where the hosts played music from Raj Kapoor's movies, noting the extensive impact of the legendary actor's creations.
In the meeting with the Prime Minister, Alia Bhatt, accompanied by her husband Ranbir Kapoor, talked about the worldwide influence of Hindi music. She inquired of PM Modi whether he gets time to listen to music. In reply, Modi expressed that he likes to listen to music whenever the opportunity arises.
Kapoor Family Express Gratitude
Ranbir Kapoor expressed his gratitude to PM Modi, mentioning that the family will always be thankful for the opportunity to meet him.
He expressed that the meeting was pleasant, as they had the opportunity to pose various personal questions to the Prime Minister. Although he felt anxious before, Ranbir noted that PM Modi's welcoming attitude helped calm them, and he valued the ease of the conversation.
The Kapoor family, comprising Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Aadar Jain, Armaan Jain, and Anissa Malhotra, invited Prime Minister Modi to the Raj Kapoor Film Festival. The event, set to occur from December 13 to 15, will be held in 101 theaters across 34 cities. Arranged by PVR INOX Limited and the Film Heritage Foundation, it is set to be one of the biggest retrospectives ever conducted in tribute to Raj Kapoor’s legendary film work.
Raj Kapoor’s 100th birth anniversary is not just a celebration of his cinematic legacy but a tribute to the timeless charm and global impact of Indian cinema. As his family and fans honor his journey, his story continues to inspire generations, bridging the golden era of Bollywood with its promising future.
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