Raj Kapoor was legendary and deserved more fame than he recieved, says filmmaker Imtiaz Ali ahead of the late actor-filmmaker’s 25th death anniversary Sunday.
“He (Raj Kapoor) was a legendary director. He deserved much more fame than how much he is famous,” Imtiaz said here.
Raj Kapoor was only 24 when he launched his own studio, R. K. Films, and became the youngest director of his time with “Aag” in 1948.
He went on to taste success by producing, directing and acting in successful movies like “Barsaat” (1949), “Awaara” (1951), “Shree 420” (1955), “Chori Chori” (1956).
He also made “Satyam Shivam Sundaram”, and then launched his sons Randhir and Rishi. In 1985, he made “Ram Teri Ganga Maili” for his youngest son Rajiv and three years after directing the controversial movie, Raj Kapoor died at the age of 63.
Raj Kapoor enjoyed national as well as international fame with his movies.
Imtiaz says his body of work inspirational for filmmakers such as him.
“Somewhere, we all are trying to understand his films and learn from his films. Although our work can never be good than his, but we can at least enjoy his work as a director,” added Imtiaz, who has directed Raj Kapoor’s grandson Ranbir in “Rockstar”.
Singers Mohammad Aziz and Raja Hasan also believe Raj Kapoor’s legacy will continue for years to come.
“People remember him and always will.. such a legendary actor..such a legendary director..don’t know we will ever get (such a talent) again or not,” said singer Mohammad Aziz.
Raja Hasan said: “I don’t have words to describe him (Raj Kapoor), he was such a legend.”
“Very few people have done the kind of revolutionary work that he did. From that point of view, he is number one for me,” added Hasan.
Raj Kapoor Sir my salaam, namastey to you and I can only pray that maybe in another lifetime our journeys would intertwine and I could be blessed with catching a glimpse of your larger than life persona. I’ve seen Amit ji amidst a crowd but out of reach and Dilip sahb from beyond security railings but I never was quite fortunate enough to see you. A regret of mine but I pray your memory lives long in our and future generations hearts too. A true patriot and a peaceful man who served his audiences with high quality and worthwhile cinema.
I loved Raj Kapoor and admired him.. I loved his film Satyam Shivam Sundaram ( and I wish that any producer would do a remake of this film with a big budget.. it will be a blockbuster, if he found a good director and a good cast for this project)
His film Abdulla had a good story with good actors, but the direction was poor.. if they do a remake of Abdulla will also be a successful film.