Raj Kapoor, the original showman, has contributed a lot to the industry. Speak Up finds out how his fans have geared up to celebrate his 85th birth anniversary today.
His movies were ahead of their time
Raj Kapoor was truly the showman of Indian cinema. I think the movies he made, his acting skills and every aspect of his personality was noteworthy. It’s very obvious for everyone that he was a natural actor. He never selected anyone on the basis of their star value, his consideration was if the actors could fit into the slotted role. I had always been invited for his films shows, I observed that he would treat all journalists in an unbiased manner. Even on the movie sets, he was very jovial and had great respect for everyone from a spotboy to lead actors and other people involved in production. His Holi parties were the talk of the industry. The Kapoor family was synonymous with respectable film production. People would wait for his films to be released. Even Raj Kapoor always credited the people for making his movies a hit. When Mera Naam Joker flopped, he was disappointed but his courage led him to make Bobby which was a great hit.
— Jyothi Venkatesh, film journalist.
He was a visionary with a message
My first film, Raju ban gaya gentleman, was a tribute to the great man, hence I called it Raju. The movie was an adaptation of Shri 420 for the modern times. Raj Kapoor was a visionary and made some path breaking films, which still have relevance. Our film industry has achieved a certain stature because of the efforts of great directors like Raj Kapoor, Guru Dutt and Mehboob Khan. They had a vision about how the world should be. They tried to portray that through their films. The writers of that time had visionary ideas. Hence, the combination of directors and writers with other staff produced amazing films which are still legends in their own way. Most of Raj's films had a social message. The Kapoor clan has churned out some of the finest talent in the industry. Even today, Ranbir and Kareena have shown great potential. Although, it would be unfair to compare them with Raj Kapoor, because the times and cinema have changed.
— Aziz Mirza, director.
His films attained global stature
I started my career in RK Studios. I have seen how Raj Kapoor started making Bobby. He is the pioneer of Indian cinema and saw to it that his films attained global stature. He was passionate and realistic about his movies. He was the real showman who was always ready to make experimental cinema. He understood the importance of marketing his movies. He stands out for his acting and directing talent and also selection of music and set design. He was modest; despite his stature he mingled with everyone and shared a great rapport with a spotboy as well as a hero. The Ganpati festival still held at RK Studios is a tribute to the legend of the showman. Everyone was invited to the celebrations. The legacy is still being carried forward by his family members, this gesture is appreciable. The film legacy was ably shouldered by Rishi Kapoor, but today Ranbir has ably stepped into the shoes of his father. The new generation has proved that they can uphold the legacy.
— Deepak Balraj Vij, director.
Truly the common man’s hero
Raj Kapoor was an actor with whom both youngsters and senior citizens can identify. When he created a character, it seems he always cared for Indian values and ensured that Indians were shown in a good light. For example, in the song Mera joota hai japani… he displayed great administration for Indian values and traditions. He is rightly called the showman of Indian cinema, but I feel it is a name given by the media. For a common man, he was really a hero and visionary man.
—Amol Kadu
RK’s contribution continues till date
Raj Kapoor’s accomplishments are known across the film industry and are recognised till date. There were many other filmmakers and actors whose movies encouraged a feeling of patriotism, but very few got the acclaim for the same theme. The Gen Next Kapoors have also entered the movie industry and managed to make a name. But they will still be known as a part of the family which till date attributes its success to Raj Kapoor. After all, he is the original showman.
—Neethi Iyer
Ranbir has all the qualities of Raj
I still have great respect and admiration for Raj Kapoor. It is because he made 'different cinema'. I loved his Mera Naam Joker. His acting skills were natural. He had the knack of using the right actors, sets, picturisation and showmanship. I still remember songs picturised on him like Aawara hun…, Mera joota... I feel the Kapoor family is one of the most respected families because of Raj Kapoor's achievements. I feel Ranbir Kapoor has the same talent.
—Zahra Rehmani
All his characters were down to earth
Every RK film touched my heart. I find Sangam brilliant and a gripping love story. All his films strike a chord because they are about down-to-earth characters, while most contemporary movies have actors who are extremely brash and larger than life. Everyone can relate to the characters in his movies. This proves how brilliant he was in making movies, where it is necessary to choose the right script, actor, melodious songs. He is an inspiration for the newer cast of directors.
—Akhil Sinha
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