Raj Kapoor 99th Birth Anniversary: Remembering Showman of Indian Cinema and his enduring legacy in cinema world

Raj Kapoor 99th Birth Anniversary: 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. 

Raj Kapoor referred to as the "Showman of Indian Cinema," left behind a rich and enduring legacy in the world of Indian and global cinema. Known for his charismatic screen presence and versatile acting, Raj Kapoor played a pivotal role in shaping and popularizing Hindi cinema. He was a key figure in the industry during the post-independence era and contributed significantly to the evolution of Indian cinema. 

The legendary actor was born in Peshwar to father-actor Prithviraj Kapoor and his wife 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.

A revisit into some of the iconic movies of Raj Kapoor that made him an irrepressible star

'Mera Naam Joker' (1970): Raj Kapoor donned the director's hat apart from playing the lead character in this film. The film is based on the life of a clown who uses his sorrows to make his audience laugh. Three women, Mary (Simi Garewal), Marina (Kseniya Ryabinkina), and Meena (Padmini), are each sent a toy clown and invited to the last performance of the famous clown Raju (Raj Kapoor), in his first time on stage in 20 years. 

'Sangam' (1964): The romantic film was directed, produced and edited by Raj Kapoor at R. K. Studio. Apart from Kapoor, the movie stars Vyjayanthimala and Rajendra Kumar in the lead roles, with Iftekhar, Raj Mehra, Nana Palsikar, Lalita Pawar, Achala Sachdev and Hari Shivdasani appearing in supporting roles.

Shree 420' (1955): The comedy-crime drama was the highest-grossing Indian film of 1955, and the song 'Mera Joota Hai Japani' sung by Mukesh, became popular and a patriotic symbol of the newly independent India at that time. The film was directed and produced by Kapoor from a story written by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas                

Awaara (1951): This film is considered a classic and features Raj Kapoor in the lead role alongside Nargis. The film's music, including the song "Awaara Hoon," became immensely popular

Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (1960): Raj Kapoor not only starred in this film but also directed and produced it. The film was well-received and featured popular songs

Raj Kapoor's impact on Indian cinema is profound, and his legacy endures through the timeless nature of his films, the influence he had on subsequent generations of actors and filmmakers, and the continued success of the Kapoor family in the film industry.             

The Kapoor family also known as "First Family of Indian Cinema," has continued Raj Kapoor's legacy. His children, including Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, and Rajiv Kapoor, followed in his footsteps and made significant contributions to the film industry.

- With inputs from agencies

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