New Delhi:
You must be living under a rock if you haven’t heard about Raj Kapoor‘s birth centenary. There is a reason why Raj Kapoor is known as “The Greatest Showman Of Indian Cinema.” And, we are proud to celebrate the man who gave a new vision to filmmaking. The man who made us falls in love with his stories. The man who set unmatched standards in storytelling and acting. To honour the legend, R.K. Films, Film Heritage Foundation and NFDC-National Film Archive of India have come together to organise special screenings of some of his evergreen films. The event, “Raj Kapoor 100 – Celebrating the Centenary of the Greatest Showman, will take place at PVR-Inox and Cinepolis cinemas across 40 cities and 135 venues in India from December 13 to December 15, 2024.
To mark the special occasion, we have prepared a list of some of his timeless classics.
1. Awara – Prime Video
The plot revolves around a poor young man Raj (played by Raj Kapoor) who joins a criminal gang to feed his mother. The black-and-white classic also featured Nargis and Raj Kapoor’s father Prithviraj Kapoor.
2. Shree 420 – Prime Video
Don’t know about you but we just grooved to the iconic song — Mera Joota Hai Japani. It won’t be wrong to say that this film has stayed in our hearts rent-free.
3. Barsaat – Prime Video
Another superhit featuring Raj Kapoor and Nargis is waiting for your attention.
4. Sangam – Zee5
Sangam, directed by the legend himself Raj Kapoor, also featured Vyjayanthimala and Rajendra Kumar. It was one of the first colour films.
5. Mera Naam Joker – Zee5
A list of Raj Kapoor films can’t complete without this one. As Raj Kapoor said in the film — “Jeena yahan marna yahan iske siva jana kaha”.
6. Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai – Prime Video
Hardly any fan of Indian classic cinema would have missed this film. Released in 1960, the movie focuses on the fight between good and evil in society. FYI: This was Raj Kapoor’s first film without Nargis.
7. Jagte Raho – Prime Video
This 1956 social drama explores the life of a poor man from the streets of a big city, who, in his struggle to survive, is mistaken for a criminal. Alongside Raj Kapoor, the film featured his father Prithviraj Kapoor, and brother Shashi Kapoor.
8. Aag – Prime Video
This movie is extra special for Raj Kapoor’s fans as it marked his directorial debut. He was just 24 at that time.
9. Andaz – Prime Video
The Mehboob Khan directorial explored the complicated love triangle. It tells the story of Ramesh, a carefree man who seeks pleasure, and Nargis, a woman caught between two men: Ramesh, whom she loves, and Shankar, a man who has deep feelings for her.
10. Anari – YouTube
This Hrishikesh Mukherjee film, featuring Raj Kapoor and Nutan, is a masterpiece in itself.
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