On his 94th birth anniversary, AFTER HRS takes a look at some of the actor-filmmaker’s iconic films
AAG (1948)
Raj Kapoor began his career behind the camera as a clap-boy assisting Kidar Sharma, but soon went on to become the youngest actor-director at the age of 24 with Aag. The film, which marked his debut, saw him opposite Nargis for the first time, and the duo went on to star in several movies together.
BARSAAT (1949)
It went on to acquire cult status as it was hugely successful and featured Kapoor and Nargis once again on-screen. The master filmmaker helmed this project too. It’s said that owing to its success, Kapoor went on to purchase RK Studios in 1950.
AWARA (1951)
Awara attained cult status thanks to Kapoor’s character that was modelled on Charlie Chaplin’s role in Little Tramp. His screen persona was an experiment in the making which was later developed on in Shree 420. The film resonated with audiences across the globe. It was screened at Cannes, and was successful in Russia and China, too.
SHREE 420 (1955)
It showcased the evolution of Kapoor’s character from that of a con artist to someone fighting for those who have been conned. The song, Mera Joota Hai Japani won instant popularity and is remembered even today. Kapoor’s character left such an impact on the psyche of generations to come that it has been emulated in different films over the years.
ANARI (1959)
The story revolved around the life of an honest man who works for a medicine manufacturer. He believes that justice will always be served and in the process, ends up losing a motherly figure. Besides being a hit with the audience, the movie won the President’s Silver Medal for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
JIS DESH MEN GANGA BEHTI HAI (1960)
Directed by Radhu Karmakar the simple tale of a poor friendly orphan who is forced to face the harsh realities of life and make some hard choices struck a chord with the aam junta. Fun fact: Among the musical track of the movies was the song Aa Ab Laut Chalen, which was later used by Rishi Kapoor as the title of his directorial debut starring Akshaye Khanna and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
SANGAM (1964)
Sangam saw many firsts. It not only created a buzz for its length and technicolour but also introduced the idea of shooting in international locales such as Switzerland, Paris and even Venice. The songs were hugely successful and the romantic-drama was even remade in Telugu and Kannada.
MERA NAAM JOKER (1970)
Not many know that when Raj Kapoor was making this film about the life of a clown who uses his sorrows to make people laugh, he was in talks with a Russian circus to be a part of the film. And he had to visit in Moscow to take things forward. Kapoor had no visa for Moscow but was welcomed in the country with open arms. Mera Naam Joker is remembered for the ties with Russia and as teenaged Rishi Kapoor’s first outing. It was made over a period of six years and may not have got its due at the box office in 1970 but it recognised as a classic.
BOBBY (1973)
After a massive production like Mera Naam Joker, Kapoor returned to tell a sweet romantic tale. It marked Dimple Kapadia’s big screen debut opposite Rishi Kapoor. It was a trendsetter not just for its contemporary narration, but also in terms of fashion, and styling. The soundtrack, too, added to its success at the box office.
SATYAM SHIVAM SUNDARAM (1978)
Directed and produced by Kapoor, the film featured Shashi Kapoor and Zeenat Aman. The social drama was about the differences between physical and spiritual love. While eyebrows were raised over the bold content of the film, but its narrative ensured it was loved by the audience.
PREM ROG (1982)
Focussing on the issues of remarriage of widows and caste discrimination, Kapoor made a film that had a social message and was entertaining too. Padmini Kolhapure’s portrayal of the young widow Manorama was heartwrenching, while Rishi Kapoor played the forward-thinking Devdhar who is in love with her.
RAM TERI GANGA MAILI (1985)
This was the last film directed by the filmmaker before he passed away on June 2, 1988. The film marked the debut of Kapoor’s youngest son Rajeev Kapoor and Mandakini. It courted controversy because of the bold nature of some scenes like the one which showed Mandakini bathing under a waterfall and another that had her breastfeeding her newborn. but went on to become a huge success. However, it went on to become one of the biggest hits from the RK banner.
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