Raj Kapoor’s studio dumped from Russian president’s itinerary

Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, who arrives in Mumbai on Wednesday on a five-hour whistle-stop tour, will not visit Raj Kapoor’s studio at Chembur.

The last-minute omission of one of the most enduring symbols of Indo-Russian friendship from the leader’s itinerary has left many in the film fraternity aghast. Medvedev will be visiting Yash Raj Studios instead.

“We’ve been told that the changes were made for logistical and security reasons,” actor Randhir Kapoor told DNA.

Sources close to the family have expressed surprise since Raj Kapoor is hugely popular in Russia. Even today, fan clubs devoted to his characters in Aawaara and Shri 420 can be found in both Moscow and Tashkent.

“At one time, he was next in popularity there (Russia) only to Jawaharlal Nehru,” said a veteran scriptwriter, who expressed surprise at the excuse cited. The Russian was scheduled to visit the showman’s studio in Chembur after an event at IIT Bombay.

“Any Mumbaikar knows that there are more wide and straight roads leading from IIT Bombay to RK Studios in Chembur than to Yash Raj studios in Andheri,” he pointed out. “This is the handiwork of a star with a big name in the corporate world. He pulled strings to get this change made,’’ he alleged.

Staffers at the RK Studio were angry that Raj Kapoor’s memory was being treated in such a cavalier manner. “Security checks were done and we had begun preparations for greeting the Russian president,” said an old hand who “felt let down”.

He pointed out how invites to the event at Yash Raj studio were sent only to Rishi, Neetu and Ranbir Kapoor. “What can one say? Today’s world only knows how to salute the rising sun,” he said, wryly lamenting the fact that even Raj Kapoor wife’s Krishna Kapoor had not been invited.   

“We all know she is reclusive and does not go out much, but wouldn’t it be proper that she was invited?” he asked.

When asked whether they had asked for a change of plan, the Russian consulate’s press attache, Maria Afalesseva, said, “The change is due to logistical reasons. It was finalised by the Indian ministry of external affairs which intimated the change to the Russian ministry for foreign affairs.”

Meanwhile, at the Yash Raj Studios, where Medvedev is expected to invite Indian filmmakers to Russia for shooting and opening of film institutes, heavy bandobast is in place.

While confirming the Russian president’s visit, Yash Raj Studios’ spokesperson Priyanka Khatri said, “We are not in a position to comment since the studio, though a part of Yashraj productions, works as an independent entity. Only the studio manager will be able to comment on the change of plan.’’ She, however, refused to give either his name or number.