This dialogue from Raj Kapoor’s movie Sangam justifies the fact that to remember him is as good as to breath the fresh air. The greatest showman of Hindi Cinema, who has contributed almost 39 years of his life in Hindi Cinema industry, came to this world on this very day in 1924. On his 93rd birth anniversary let’s take a stroll back to the ages the historical journey started.
The eldest son of Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj started emitting the spark of a future debonair at the age of 10. He made his first appearance in movies with “1945’s Inquilab”. However, after 12 years he made his grand debut as a lead actor with Neel Kamal 1947, opposite to enthralling beauty Madhubala. Even those grey shades between black and white screen held his innocence intact.
His journey expedited and took a successful curve when he established his own studio, R. K. Films in 1948. At the age of 24, he was an established actor, studio owner, and a director, perhaps those are the traits of multi-adept minds.
Aag was the first movie directed and produced by Raj Kapoor under the banner of R. K. Films, however, Barsaat earned him the coveted success as a producer, director, and star. The music of the movie saw such success that people reiterated its song “Jiya Bekarar Hai”.
Raj Kapoor’s exceptionally focused direction was unlike others. Observing diminutive details, encompassing complexed emotions effortlessly, he harnessed his skills to produce the best of art. Movies such as Mera Naam Joker, Shree 420, Sangam, Awara, Prem Rog, Booby and many others grossed him worldwide popularity. He was Chaliya for Bollywood and was referred as “Clark Gable”.
Other than movies, Raj Kapoor’s dialogues become a household name. Spiking patriotism with absolute ease with “Hum uss desh ke vasi hai, jis desh mein Ganga behti hai” or exhibiting romance like a dove “Sangam toh woh hai jahan dil, dil se milta hai, atma, atma se milke paramatma ho jati hai”, he shaped up his career shrewdly.
Together with movies and dialogues, the songs of his movies too reached stars and held the power to compel audiences from other countries as well. Raj Kapoor isn’t only a legend, he still stands as a marvel of Hindi cinema throughout the world including Africa, the Middle East, the former Soviet Union, China, Turkey and Southeast Asia.
He stood for an epitome of actor, director, and producer. He sow a seed that has bloomed rightfully over the period of time and is now a legacy carefully carried out by his great-grandchildren.
Raj Kapoor breathed his last in 1988 before he could complete his lat directional project Heena. It’s been 27 years since his demise, yet the imprints he left on the heart of Bollywood respire his brilliance.
Perhaps the lyrics of his own song stands correct –
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