New Delhi [India], December 11 : The Kapoor family met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to invite him to the celebration of legendary actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor's 100th birth anniversary. The family is organizing nationwide screenings of Raj Kapoor's iconic films as part of the tribute.
PM Modi had a warm interaction with the Kapoor family. Actor Ranbir Kapoor shared an anecdote that left PM Modi smiling.
Ranbir's aunt, Reema Kapoor, mentioned how Ranbir experienced the enduring legacy of Raj Kapoor during an overseas trip. She said, "Ranbir ke sath hua hai. Vo car mein baitha tha. Ek Russian taxi driver tha usne bola ki are you from India? And he was singing a song...Are you Raj Kapoor's grandson?"
Ranbir then shared his experience of being recognized because of his grandfather's legacy. He added with a laugh, "Maine unse kaha main unka (Raj Kapoor) pota (grandson) hun, toh aise hamesha mujhe free taxi ride mil jaate hai."
During the brief conversation with the Kapoor family, PM Modi shared his admiration for Raj Kapoor's lasting influence on Indian cinema and spoke about the power of films in their era. He recalled an incident involving veteran leader LK Advani and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee: "I remember the impact of films in those days. It was during the Jana Sangh era, and there was an election in Delhi. After the party lost, Advaniji and Atalji said, 'What should we do now?' Then they decided, 'Let's watch a movie.' They went to watch Raj Kapoor's 'Phir Subah Hogi.'"
PM Modi also fondly recounted another memory involving Ranbir Kapoor's father, late Rishi Kapoor. "When I was in China, a song by your father was being played. I told my colleagues to record it on their phones, and I sent it to Rishiji. He was so delighted by it."
The Prime Minister also spoke about Raj Kapoor's role in establishing Indian cinema's global influence long before the term "soft power" became popular. "In 1947, we had 'Neel Kamal,' and now as we approach 2047, it reflects the immense contribution of such a vast nation. Today, there is much talk about soft power in diplomacy, but back then, Raj Kapoor had already showcased India's strength in this area to the world," he said.
Members of the Kapoor family, including Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor, and Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, were present during the interaction. The video shared by PMO also showed the Kapoor family sharing their experiences after meeting the Prime Minister.
"This is a special day for us. We enjoyed the conversation. We also asked him many personal questions. He spoke to us in a friendly manner. He made all of us feel very comfortable. We are grateful to him," said Ranbir Kapoor.
"It was my dream to sit next to PM Modi and talk to him. His energy is so positive and he is truly a global leader," Kareena shared.
Meanwhile, the festival will celebrate the centenary of Raj Kapoor, one of the most iconic figures in Indian cinema, who passed away in 1988. It showcases 10 iconic Raj Kapoor films across 40 cities and 135 cinemas, with a ticket price of Rs 100. The announcement of the film festival, which will include screenings of classics such as Aag, Barsaat, Awaara, Shree 420, and Mera Naam Joker, has sparked excitement among cinema lovers.
Raj Kapoor's films are renowned for their storytelling, timeless music, and social relevance. His legacy continues to influence generations of filmmakers and audiences. Known as "India's Greatest Showman," Raj Kapoor's career spanned several decades, from his early days as a child actor to his later success as a director and producer.
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