Page 40 - The Indian EYE 122223

ENTERTAINMENT EYE DECEMBER 22, 2023 | The Indian Eye 40

Veterans & family remembers

Raj Kapoor the icon on his 99th

birth anniversary

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
ilm actor, producer, and director Raj Kapoor
widely regarded as the greatest showman in
Fthe history of Indian cinema and entertain-
ment, 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 in-
cluding three National Film Awards and 11 Film-
fare Awards in India. He is known as the ‘Show-
man 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 secrets that remained unknown even to their own of Chapli Kebabs. Let’s stroll through the bazaar
leading lady. family members. Raj Ji and Sahib were there for as we used to, relishing Kebabs and Rotis. Stop
Winner of several accolades, the iconic Bol- each other until the very end.” acting; take me to the courtyard in Peshawar.”
lywood star had been honoured with the Padma The actor shared a story of Raj Kapoor and Choking with emotion, tears streamed as he spoke
Bhushan in 1971 for his contributions to the arts. Dilip Sahib’s friendship. “Not many people know to his unconscious friend. They were indeed the
In 1987, the late actor was bestowed with the Da- this but back in the day when Dilip Sahib was still best of friends until the very end. Remembering
dasaheb Phalke Award. He was also a two-time a bachelor Raj Ji would often edge him on to get Raj Ji on his Birth Anniversary with a lot of love
nominee for the Palme d’Or grand prize at the married. He would say “Shaadi Kyun Nahin Kar- and affection,” Saira continued.
Cannes Film Festival for his films ‘Awaara’ (1951) ta” and later on laughingly add, “Jis Din Tu Shaa- Actor Karisma Kapoor on Thursday remem-
and ‘Boot Polish’ (1954). di Karega, Ghutne Ke Bal Chal Ke Aaunga Tere bered her grandfather and late actor Raj Kapoor
He also played the lead in iconic movies such Paas”, and goodness like a great friend he stood on his 99th birth anniversary. Taking to Instagram,
as ‘Mera Naam Joker’ (1970), ‘Sangam’ (1964), up to his words the day Dilip Sahib and I got mar- Karisma dropped a childhood photo of herself
‘Shree 420’ (1955), ‘Awaara’ (1951), ‘Teesri Kasam’ ried. I still remember how he reminded Sahib of with her Dadaji. In the picture, baby Karisma can
(1966), and many more. this incident, saying, “Didn’t I tell you that I would be seen walking while holding Raj Kapoor’s hand.
In her tribute to the icon, Saira Bano reflected kneel down the very day you get married? I am Sharing the picture, she wrote, “The one who led
on the golden era of Indian cinema when Kapoor doing it for you. Thank you for getting married,” the way.. remembering Dadaji on his birthday.”
and Dilip Kumar, among others, defined the in- Saira added. Veteran star Dharmendra on Thursday, took
dustry with their remarkable contributions. Taking Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar shared experi- a stroll down memory lane and shared a price-
to Instagram, Saira shared a series of videos and ences and a friendship that stayed strong during less throwback picture with yesteryear’s star Raj
pictures along with a lengthy note. The note read, their difficult times. “When Raj Ji had a cardiac Kapoor on the occasion of his birth anniversary.
“Describing the bond between Dilip Sahib and Raj arrest, Sahib had flown abroad for a felicitation. Taking to Instagram, Dharmendra dropped the
Ji as mere friendship would be an understatement; He immediately flew back to Delhi and rushed to picture which he captioned, “Happy Birthday Raj
they shared a love akin to that of siblings. They Apollo Hospital to see Raj Ji, he went near him Sahab .... We miss you ! ..... You will always be re-
sought solace in each other’s company, exchanging and said, “Raj, wake up! I brought the ‘Khushboo’ membered with great love and respect.”

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