Raj Kapoor, the biggest showman of Bollywood, is a name that needs no introduction. Often referred to as the “Charlie Chaplin of Indian Cinema”, he was a multi-talented actor, director, producer, and screenwriter who left an indelible mark on the Hindi film industry. Not only did he entertain audiences with his remarkable acting skills, but he also revolutionized the way films were made in India. From his iconic portrayal of the lovable tramp to his colorful love life, Raj Kapoor’s life was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride.
Born on December 14th, 1924, in Peshawar, British India, Raj Kapoor was the eldest son of the renowned actor Prithviraj Kapoor. Growing up in a family that was deeply rooted in the world of cinema, it was no surprise that Raj Kapoor developed a keen interest in acting at a young age. He made his debut at the age of 11 in his father’s film “Inquilab” and went on to act in several more films as a child artist.
However, it was in the 1940s when Raj Kapoor truly emerged as a force to be reckoned with. He formed his own production company, RK Films, and started his journey as a director. With his first film “Aag” in 1948, he introduced a new style of filmmaking that was characterized by its social relevance, emotional depth, and melodious music. This was just the beginning of a long and illustrious career that spanned over five decades.
One of the things that set Raj Kapoor apart from his contemporaries was his strong bond with music director duo Shankar Jaikishan. The two collaborated on almost all of Raj Kapoor’s iconic films, including “Awaara”, “Shree 420”, “Jagte Raho”, and “Sangam”. The songs from these films remain popular to this day and are still remembered for their beautiful compositions and soulful lyrics.
In fact, music played a pivotal role in Raj Kapoor’s films as he was an avid admirer of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar. He often used her voice to bring life to his characters and their emotions. However, there was a time when the two had a tiff, and they were not on talking terms. This rift was eventually resolved, and they continued to work together, creating magic on screen with their collaborations.
Apart from his contribution to the world of cinema, Raj Kapoor was also known for his colorful love life. He had a string of affairs with his leading ladies, including Nargis, Vaijaintimala, and Padmini. His on-screen chemistry with Nargis was loved by audiences, and their real-life romance was the talk of the town. However, he eventually married Krishna Malhotra, with whom he had five children, including his son and actor Randhir Kapoor.
Raj Kapoor’s legacy continues to live on through his family, who are often referred to as the “First Family of Hindi Film Industry”. His sons Randhir, Rishi, and Rajiv, and his grandson Ranbir Kapoor, have all made their mark in the film industry, carrying forward his legacy and keeping his memory alive.
As we celebrate the life and achievements of Raj Kapoor, it would be remiss not to mention some of his most iconic films and songs. Here is a list of 20 famous songs of Raj Kapoor, in no particular order:
Pyar hua ekrar hua pyaar se – Shree 420
Mera juta hai japani – Shree 420
Dil ka hal sune dilwala – Shree 420
Sajan re juth mat bolo – Teesri Kasam
Duniya Bananewale – Teesri Kasam
Ye raat bhigi bhigi – Chori Chori
Dost Dost na raha – Sangam
O mehbooba O Mehbooba – Sangam
Sub kuch sikha hamne – Anari
Dil ki nazar se Nazro ke Dil se – Anari
E bhai jara dekh ke chalo – Mera Naam Jocker
Jane kaha gay wo din – Mera Naam Jocker
Chhalia mera Naam – Chhalia
Dam dam diga diga – Chhalia
Aasu bhari hai jeevan ki rahe – Parvarish
Ramaya Vastavaya – Boot Polish
Aa je ra ab mera dil pukara – Aah
Woh subah kabhi to aayegi – Fir subah hogi
Hotto pe sachai rahti hai – Jis desh me ganga behti hai
Hum to jaate apne gaon – Deewana
Raj Kapoor may have left this world, but his legacy lives on through his timeless films and songs that continue to entertain audiences even today. He will always be remembered as the biggest showman of Bollywood and an icon of Indian cinema.
