Ad filmmaker Kunal Kapoor is the man who initiated ‘Raj Kapoor 100’ – a retrospective on legendary actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor where 10 of his classics were screened across 40 cities in India from December 13-15. The 10 films are Aag, Awara, Barsaat, Sangam, Jagte Raho, Shree 420, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai, Bobby, Mera Naam Joker and Ram Teri Ganga Maili. Kunal Kapoor met us at Prithvi Theatre (founded by his father Shashi Kapoor) on a breezy evening to talk about the ‘Raj Kapoor 100’ project and the Raj Kapoor he knew.
How did the journey of ‘Raj Kapoor 100’ begin?
Kunal Kapoor: A few years ago, I started restoring films produced by my father (Shashi Kapoor), like Junoon (1979), Kalyug (1981), 36 Chowringhee Lane (1981), Vijeta (1982) and Utsav (1984). Then I asked my cousins about restoring and preserving Raj Kapoor’s films because they are classics. Also, Raj Kapoor was born 100 years ago on December 14, 2024. It seemed like the right time to do this.
Randhir (Raj Kapoor’s son) had given RK’s films to NFDC-NFAI for their archives. The print of Awara (1951) they had sent to Cannes was rejected because the print quality wasn’t up to the mark. Shivendra Singh Dungarpur (of Film Heritage Foundation) and I realised the gravity of the situation. So, I asked NFAI to take my help in the restoration and preservation of films. Because it’s not only about restoring the print quality, you also have to look into the subtitles, which is a very important aspect. So, I went to the family and spoke to them about the restoration. Ranbir (actor and grandson of Raj Kapoor) took it seriously and that’s how it all happened. It’s a long process and the work will continue. But we have managed to bring the films to a level that is good for presentation.
How do you define Raj Kapoor’s cinema?
Kunal Kapoor: Pioneering. He was not the only one but he was definitely a pioneer. He brought in a completely different sense of cinema. His cinema never stayed stagnant; it evolved. It is difficult to imagine that the same filmmaker made Aag (1948) and Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985). He had a flair for drama. Everyone talks about the music in RK films. You cannot take away the talent of the music directors who worked with him but music in RK films was superb, no matter who the music director was. The music had the RK touch. The same was true for the actors of his films. They worked with other filmmakers too; but in RK films, they were something else.
Which Raj Kapoor film is closest to your heart?
Kunal Kapoor: For me, it would be Bobby (1973). I was in school when Bobby was released. It was a romantic film about a young boy and a young girl. So, I identified with them. I must have watched the film with my school friends at least four-five times. I wanted to have the motorcycle (Rajdoot GTS 175, which was featured in the movie).
Bobby was made after Mera Naam Joker bombed at the box office. What kind of a man did you see him as during that time?
Kunal Kapoor: I don’t know yaar. I was 11 years old. I got to know him a little bit in my early teens. Sometimes, I used to work with him. He was the head of the family. He was very warm and hospitable. But he was also Raj Kapoor.
Were you in awe of him?
Kunal Kapoor: Yeah, I think so. I had a warm one-to-one relationship with Shammi (Kapoor) uncle because he used to live close to my house. We lived on Nepean Sea Road and Raj uncle lived in Chembur. So, we would meet at family functions and dinners.
How did he get the title of ‘showman’?
Kunal Kapoor: The media gave him that title. His films were dramatic and successful. He was a gracious host who threw lavish parties. His birthday parties and Holi parties were famous. In those days, it was not so common to have a party at home with a variety of buffets – Indian, Chinese and Italian. I used to love it when the tray full of tandoor would arrive. He enjoyed his food, his booze, his cigarettes and his films. The conversations were mostly about food and films, and sometimes females [chuckles].
Do you want to do a retrospective of Shashi Kapoor’s films?
Kunal Kapoor: We wanted to but it’s an expensive affair. Shivendra and I discussed it but then ‘Raj Kapoor 100’ came up. So, maybe sometime later. Because there’s no occasion either. Dad was born in 1938. The 100-year milestone is far away.
