Raj Kapoor passed away in 1988 on 2nd June at the age of 63 due to complications related to his asthma disease. He was hospitalised for about a month before he succumbed to complications arising from his asthma.
He was known playfully by his loved ones as India’s Charlie Chaplin has gone done in history as the greatest showman in the history of Indian Cinema and entertainment. On May 2, 1988, Raj Kapoor was conferred with Dadasaheb Phalke Award and attended the function with an oxygen mask. When his name was announced by President Venkataraman, he was unable to get up, and seeing his discomfort, he came down to present him the award and was then admitted to hospital. After battling with life for a month, he passed away on June 2.
Raj Kapoor at the age of nine acted in front of the camera for the first time in the film Inquilab. His first job was of Clapper Boy, for which he was paid Rs 10 per month. Raj Kapoor’s real name was Ranbir Raj Kapoor and the name Ranbir is now shared by his grandson Ranbir Kapoor. At the age of 24 in the year 1948, he established his own studios –RK Films. The first venture of the studio was Aag but it was a commercial failure and Barsaat (1949) was the first film to be produced by the studio.
One of the most impressive works by the veteran actor was Mera Naam Joker. Mera Naam Joker has been directed and produced by Raj Kapoor. Earlier called out for its length and plot points, the film is now considered a cult classic for exploring philosophical themes. It is also said to have been Raj Kapoor’s personal favourite from his own career, and was under production for six years until it finally saw the light of the day in 1970. The film’s narrative focuses on a clown’s final performances as three important women of his life view it from the galleries. Mera Naam Joker also marked the debut of Rishi Kapoor in films.
Making it to the best lists, Shree 420, also directed by Raj Kapoor, is popular for many reasons. First for being an excellent comedy-drama for its time, second for its top-notch music, especially the Mukesh-sung “Mera Joota Hai Japaani” and third, for the Charlie Chaplin references that Kapoor’s character constantly draws upon. Considered to be one of the highest grossing Hindi movies of its time, Shree 420 also starred Nadira and Nargis in pivotal parts.
Also, a romedy by nature, Chori Chori is strongly inspired by the Hollywood classic ‘It Happened One Night.’ It featured the famous on-screen pair of Nargis and Raj Kapoor, who, with their crackling chemistry, once again saved the day. Chori Chori also happens to be one of the last films Nargis and Raj Kapoor featured in together as a couple. It was helmed by Anant Thakur.
Sangam is also a love story, and could have been a cliched one had it not been for the climax. A tale of friendship, love and betrayal; Sangam tells the story of the characters of Raj Kapoor, Vyjayanthimala and Rajendra Kumar who grew up together, but an obstacle presents itself when the two men end up falling for their friend Radha. Sangam can be a bit loud in places and even somewhat tiring with its push-and-pull of an obsessive kind of love, but is ultimately a winner thanks to its somewhat shocking end and credible performances. Based on the short story Maare Gaye Gulfam penned by famous Hindi writer Phanishwarnath Renu, Teesri Kasam had Raj Kapoor and Waheed Rahman in the lead roles. Its narrative is set in rural India where an innocent, well-meaning bullock cart driver falls for a dancer at a travelling theatre troupe. The movie won a National Award for Best Feature Film upon its release.
The Russian song ‘Song About Yogis’ (1967) by Vladimir Vysotsky describes Raj Kapoor as one of the best-known symbols of Indian culture. Indeed, his grip over the Bollywood even after so many decades is just like a ‘fine wine’ and his contributions to the B-Town will forever remain legendary. Raj Kapoor will always remain the original and greatest showman of Indian cinema. In a span of almost 50 years, he had an illustrious career both in front and behind the camera. He won three National Awards, 11 Filmfare trophies, Padma Bhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Honours.
