Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ In a grand gesture to honor the legacy of Raj Kapoor, the iconic figure in Hindi cinema, members of the Kapoor family recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The meeting was a momentous occasion, as the family prepared to mark the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary actor, director, and producer. Among the attendees were prominent Bollywood stars and Kapoor family members: Ranbir Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor, Riddhima Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, and Karisma Kapoor. Furthermore, Raj Kapoor’s grandchildren, Ranbir Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, and Kareena Kapoor Khan, are among the biggest stars in contemporary Bollywood. The Kapoor family’s contribution to the Indian film industry is immeasurable, and they continue to carry forward the legacy of Raj Kapoor with immense pride.
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The gathering was centered around the invitation extended to Prime Minister Modi for the Raj Kapoor Film Festival, set to begin on December 14, 2024, to commemorate the centenary of the beloved showman of Hindi cinema. The family arrived in Delhi with great enthusiasm to meet the prime minister and share details about the upcoming retrospective. The event, a collaboration between R.K. Films, the Film Heritage Foundation, and the National Film Archive of India (NFDC), will showcase ten of Raj Kapoor’s most iconic films across 135 cinemas in 40 cities from December 13 to 15, 2024. The festival will serve as a grand tribute to Raj Kapoor, whose cinematic works continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
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The Kapoor family’s meeting with PM Modi was filled with warmth and admiration. As the family members gathered at the prime minister’s residence, social media was abuzz with pictures and videos from the momentous event. Ranbir Kapoor, visibly excited yet humbled by the occasion, expressed his uncertainty about what to say upon meeting PM Modi. In response, the prime minister reassured him, saying that he could speak freely, as he too was a part of their family. Videos circulating online showed the family’s excitement, with Kareena Kapoor inquiring about the distance to the PM’s residence and Alia Bhatt animatedly conversing with Neetu Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor. Alia, Kareena, and Karisma, the women of the Kapoor family, donned traditional attire for the occasion, infusing the meeting with a touch of elegance. Kareena wore a red salwar-kameez, while Alia looked graceful in a red saree, and Karisma opted for a classic white ensemble.
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During the meeting, Alia Bhatt shared her thoughts on the experience, expressing her gratitude for PM Modi’s warm reception. “His energy, his kindness, and the way he spoke so highly of Raj Kapoor ji was truly inspiring,” she remarked. “He offered excellent ideas about how we can continue to carry forward his legacy. It was a proud moment for all of us.” Saif Ali Khan, husband of Kareena Kapoor, also spoke about the Prime Minister’s suggestions for preserving Raj Kapoor’s legacy. “PM Modi encouraged us to think about making a documentary or a film to keep Raj Kapoor’s memories alive for future generations,” Saif noted.
Raj Kapoor (1924–1988) remains one of the most influential figures in Indian cinema. Often referred to as “The Greatest Showman” of Hindi cinema, Kapoor was not only a successful actor but also a visionary filmmaker and producer. He was born into the illustrious Kapoor family, the son of Prithviraj Kapoor, and began his career as a child actor in the 1935 film Inquilab. In 1948, he founded R.K. Films, the studio that would become synonymous with his cinematic vision. Raj Kapoor’s films, including Awaara, Shree 420, Mera Naam Joker, and Bobby, touched upon universal themes of love, sacrifice, and social justice. His storytelling prowess and ability to capture the essence of Indian culture on the silver screen earned him recognition not only in India but across the globe.
As part of the centenary celebrations, Ranbir Kapoor shared his excitement about the Raj Kapoor Film Festival, noting that it will be an occasion for the entire film fraternity to come together and honor his grandfather’s extraordinary contributions. “This festival will be a reminder of his immense influence on Hindi cinema,” Ranbir said. “His work will be celebrated, and his films will be shown in theatres across India, giving audiences a chance to experience his magic once again.” The Raj Kapoor Film Festival promises to be a significant cultural event, ensuring that the showman’s legacy continues to inspire generations of filmmakers, actors, and moviegoers alike. With the Kapoor family’s commitment to preserving his memory, Raj Kapoor’s indelible mark on the world of cinema will undoubtedly endure for years to come.
