"His genius transcended generations."
Raj Kapoor is revered as the greatest showman of Indian cinema. He was born on December 14, 1924.
Beginning his acting career in 1947, he soon emerged as one of the most talented actors and filmmakers in the industry.
In 1948, Raj plunged into production and direction with Aag – thus becoming the youngest filmmaker in the world at that time.
In the 1950s and 1960s, along with Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand, he formed a unique trinity of stars.
December 14, 2024, marked the birth centenary of Raj Kapoor. To commemorate the occasion, the Indian Film Heritage Foundation re-released several of his classics.
These included Sangam (1964), Bobby (1973), and Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985).
Several famous faces took to social media to remember the showman and pay tribute to him on this monumental day.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted:
“Today, we mark the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary Raj Kapoor, a visionary filmmaker, actor and the eternal showman!
“His genius transcended generations, leaving an indelible mark on Indian and global cinema.
“Shri Raj Kapoor’s passion towards cinema began at a young age and worked hard to emerge as a pioneering storyteller.
“His films were a blend of artistry, emotion and even social commentary.
“They reflected the aspirations and struggles of common citizens.
“The iconic characters and unforgettable melodies of Raj Kapoor films continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
“People admire how his works highlight diverse themes with ease and excellence. The music of his films is also extremely popular.
“Shri Raj Kapoor was not just a filmmaker but a cultural ambassador who took Indian cinema to the global stage.
“Generations of filmmakers and actors can learn so much from him.
“I once again pay tributes to him and recall his contribution to the creative world.”
Today, we mark the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary Raj Kapoor, a visionary filmmaker, actor and the eternal showman! His genius transcended generations, leaving an indelible mark on Indian and global cinema.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 14, 2024
Highlighting the re-release of Raj’s films, Amitabh Bachchan posted:
“Continuing our commitment to bringing classic cinema back to the big screen, I am so happy that Film Heritage Foundation has joined hands with RK Films to keep the legacy of Raj Kapoor alive and give audiences all over India an opportunity to revisit the films of an artist who lived for cinema and whose films gave voice to the common man.
“Even today, Aawaara is a film that is etched in my mind. Talking about Raj Ji’s incredible showmanship, the way he envisioned the dream sequence in the film had never been seen before.
“You are amazed by his fantastical imagination that visualised the surreal setting, the ethereal Nargis Ji emerging through thick clouds of smoke, Raj Ji surrounded by demonic figures and burning fires.
“There is a powerful, mystical symbolism in the dream sequence, and that is my favourite.
“Don’t miss the opportunity to watch these Raj Kapoor classics in a cinema near you from December 13 – 15!”
T 5223 – Raj Kapoor 100 – Celebrating the Centenary of the Greatest Showman” – a grand festival of 10 milestone Raj Kapoor films screening in 40 cities and 135 cinemas across the country opens today!
Continuing our commitment to bringing classic cinema back to the big… pic.twitter.com/mI5Xu3ie4g
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) December 13, 2024
Anupam Kher tweeted a video of him at the festival held to celebrate Raj’s milestone.
Alongside it, he wrote: “Down memory lane of legendary Raj Kapoor. Grew up on his cinema and music.
“The first and probably the most effective soft power of India abroad.”
“Thank you, dearest Ranbir Kapoor, for inviting me to participate in this festival of films of the greatest showman of Indian cinema!”
For classic Bollywood fans, Raj Kapoor’s birth centenary signified a historic milestone.
His work will live on in the hearts of cinema lovers and his name will always shine in cultural glory.
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