Raj Kapoor’s 100th Birth Anniversary: Why The Showman Of Indian Cinema Is So Popular In Russia, And 10 Iconic Movies – News18
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Raj Kapoor’s 100th Birth Anniversary 2024: While Raj Kapoor remained a respectable and recognised figure in India, he gained equal popularity outside the country, especially in Russia.
Raj Kapoor, often referred to as the Showman of Indian Cinema, was one of the most influential and iconic figures in Bollywood.
Raj Kapoor’s 100th Birth Anniversary 2024: The original Showman of Indian Cinema, actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor left a lasting legacy of films that remain fresh in the audience’s mind.
Born on December 14, 1924, he was a multi-talented actor, director, and producer. Known for his unique storytelling, Kapoor’s films often explored social issues, romance, and human emotions.
Some of his most memorable works include Awaara, Shree 420, Mera Naam Joker, and Bobby. His larger-than-life persona, both on and off-screen, left a lasting legacy in Indian cinema. Kapoor’s films, characterised by their melodic music and profound themes, continue to be cherished across generations.
As the entire Indian film industry prepares to mark the legend’s 100th birth anniversary, it is also the time to celebrate his memorable contribution that truly defined the golden era of Indian cinema. While Raj Kapoor remained a respectable and recognised figure in India, he gained equal popularity outside the country, especially in Russia.
Why Was Raj Kapoor Popular In Russia?
A number of answers suggest why Raj Kapoor was so popular in Russia; however, let’s begin with how his films made their way to the Soviets.
It was at the time when India started developing a diplomatic relationship with the Soviet Union before Independence.
Newly-elected Nikita Khrushchev relaxed the cultural imports including cinema to the region, encouraging Indian films to make their way to the newfound market at the time.
While Nimai Ghosh directed Chhinnamul was the first Bollywood film to be released in Russia, it was Raj Kapoor movies like Awaara and Shree 420 which actually captivated the Soviet audiences, especially his chemistry with Nargis and the memorable songs from the flicks.
Originally released in India in 1951, Awaara was dubbed and released in Russia in September 1954.
However, the songs were left in Hindi, which ultimately led to the title track ‘Awara Hoon’ becoming an anthem of Indian culture and friendship for Russians.
From being played at official Russian banquets to even rumoured of being hummed by figures like ex-president Boris Yeltsin and Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov, the film enjoyed a mass popularity.
Raj Kapoor: 10 Iconic Films
Aag
In 1948, Raj Kapoor started his celebrated studio RK Films, and produced his first film Aag. Featuring alongside Nargis, he produced, directed and acted in the film. Aag was not a big commercial success but received positive reviews.
Barsaat
Said to be Raj Kapoor’s second stint as a director, Barsaat was a box office hit, solidifying the on-screen pairing of Kapoor and Nargis. The film’s success even supported Raj Kapoor to buy RK Studios.
Awaara
Still counted as one of his classic hits, the 1951 film once again featured him alongside Nargis. Awaara explores the themes of social injustice and redemption, where Raj Kapoor portrays the role of a poor thief. The film as well as its music received a lot of love from the masses, even bagging a nomination for the Grand Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 1953.
Shree 420
Next to come on Raj Kapoor’s best movies list is the cult classic Shree 420. Directed and starred as the lead, Kapoor was paired opposite Nargis. Through the film, he addressed the issues of unemployment, poverty and national pride while also managing to maintain the audience’s interest in its romantic plot.
Chori Chori
The romantic comedy was inspired by the 1934 American film, It Happened One Night. With Raj Kapoor and Nargis as the lead pair, Chori Chori shows the actor in the role of a journalist, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Anari
Making a fresh pairing with Nutan, Anari is the story of a young man who refuses to compromise his model values for money or love. The film was a super hit becoming the highest-grossing film of the year, recognised for its powerful cast and melodious music. Some of its popular tracks include Kisi Ki Muskurahaton Pe Ho, Tera Jana, Sab kuch Seekha Humne and Woh Chand Khila. Kapoor even bagged the Filmfare Best Actor award for the film.
Sangam
Said to be Raj Kapoor’s first complete film in colour, Sangam came as one of his career-best performances, showing a love triangle between Kapoor, Vyjayanthimala and Rajendra Kumar. The film was a super success at the box office, even giving rise to the trend among Indian filmmakers to shoot abroad.
Jagte Raho
Coming back to highlight yet another social issue, Jagte Raho features Raj Kapoor in the role of a poor peasant who comes to the city with the hope of a better life, only to get trapped by greed and corruption.
Mera Naam Joker
One of the most celebrated films in Raj Kapoor’s acting career is the 1970’s Mera Naam Joker. Directed, edited and produced by Kapoor, the film featured him in the lead, marking Rishi Kapoor’s debut as his younger version. The film which was called Kapoor’s dream project took nearly a decade to make. While it proved to be a critical and commercial failure in India, the film eventually became a cult classic in the country.
Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai
Produced by Raj Kapoor, the film follows the story of a few bandits who kidnapped Raju (Kapoor), who falls in love with the chief’s daughter. However, things then take a turn for the worse when he ends up informing the police about them. It explores how Raju becomes the beacon for the bandits’ rehabilitation.
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