The legendary actor-director had an illustrious career spanning more than two decades and had won many accolades including 3 National Film Awards and 11 Filmfare Awards
Our Bureau
Mumbai
Film actor, producer, and director Raj Kapoor widely regarded as the greatest showman in the history of Indian cinema and entertainment, would have turned 99 if he was alive today. Veteran actor Saira Banu took everyone back to the 90s and recollected the interesting stories about the bond between Raj Kapoor and legendary actor Dilip Kumar.
Born in Peshawar to father-actor Prithviraj Kapoor and Ramsarni Mehra, Raj Kapoor had a remarkable career. He won many accolades including three National Film Awards and 11 Filmfare Awards in India. He is known as the ‘Showman of Indian cinema’.He appeared in films like ‘Shree 420’, ‘Aag’, ‘Chori Chori’, ‘Anari’, ‘Sangam’, ‘Mera Naam Joker’ and many more.
The legendary actor had an illustrious career spanning more than two decades and had won many accolades including 3 National Film Awards and 11 Filmfare Awards in India.
At the age of ten, he appeared in a Hindi film for the first time, in 1935’s ‘Inquilab’. Kapoor’s big break came with the lead role in ‘Neel Kamal’ (1947) opposite Madhubala in her first role as a leading lady.
Winner of several accolades, the iconic Bollywood star had been honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 1971 for his contributions to the arts. In 1987, the late actor was bestowed with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. He was also a two-time nominee for the Palme d’Or grand prize at the Cannes Film Festival for his films ‘Awaara’ (1951) and ‘Boot Polish’ (1954).
He also played the lead in iconic movies such as ‘Mera Naam Joker’ (1970), ‘Sangam’ (1964), ‘Shree 420’ (1955), ‘Awaara’ (1951), ‘Teesri Kasam’ (1966), and many more.
In her tribute to the icon, Saira Bano reflected on the golden era of Indian cinema when Kapoor and Dilip Kumar, among others, defined the industry with their remarkable contributions. Taking to Instagram, Saira shared a series of videos and pictures along with a lengthy note. The note read, “Describing the bond between Dilip Sahib and Raj Ji as mere friendship would be an understatement; they shared a love akin to that of siblings. They sought solace in each other’s company, exchanging secrets that remained unknown even to their own family members. Raj Ji and Sahib were there for each other until the very end.”
The actor shared a story of Raj Kapoor and Dilip Sahib’s friendship. “Not many people know this but back in the day when Dilip Sahib was still a bachelor Raj Ji would often edge him on to get married. He would say “Shaadi Kyun Nahin Karta” and later on laughingly add, “Jis Din Tu Shaadi Karega, Ghutne Ke Bal Chal Ke Aaunga Tere Paas”, and goodness like a great friend he stood up to his words the day Dilip Sahib and I got married. I still remember how he reminded Sahib of this incident, saying, “Didn’t I tell you that I would kneel down the very day you get married? I am doing it for you. Thank you for getting married,” Saira added.
Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar shared experiences and a friendship that stayed strong during their difficult times. “When Raj Ji had a cardiac arrest, Sahib had flown abroad for a felicitation. He immediately flew back to Delhi and rushed to Apollo Hospital to see Raj Ji, he went near him and said, “Raj, wake up! I brought the ‘Khushboo’ of Chapli Kebabs. Let’s stroll through the bazaar as we used to, relishing Kebabs and Rotis. Stop acting; take me to the courtyard in Peshawar.” Choking with emotion, tears streamed as he spoke to his unconscious friend. They were indeed the best of friends until the very end. Remembering Raj Ji on his Birth Anniversary with a lot of love and affection,” Saira continued.
Actor Karisma Kapoor on Thursday remembered her grandfather and late actor Raj Kapoor on his 99th birth anniversary. Taking to Instagram, Karisma dropped a childhood photo of herself with her Dadaji. In the picture, baby Karisma can be seen walking while holding Raj Kapoor’s hand. Sharing the picture, she wrote, “The one who led the way.. remembering Dadaji on his birthday.”
Veteran star Dharmendra on Thursday, took a stroll down memory lane and shared a priceless throwback picture with yesteryear’s star Raj Kapoor on the occasion of his birth anniversary. Taking to Instagram, Dharmendra dropped the picture which he captioned, “Happy Birthday Raj Sahab …. We miss you ! ….. You will always be remembered with great love and respect.”
