Delhi, 3 June (H.S.): Raj Kapoor sparked a fervor in youth, transforming films like Bobby and Mera Naam Joker into lasting obsessions. Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi of IGNCA highlighted this at the Raj Kapoor Centenary Celebration 2025, a poignant evening organized by Respect India in Delhi, named ‘Shabdanjali: Raj Kapoor – The Idea of Showmanship.’ This event marked the launch of a yearlong tribute to Kapoor, a legendary figure in Indian cinema. Held at the India International Centre, New Delhi, the event featured dignitaries like B.P. Singh and Manoj Tiwari, who served as Chief Guest, alongside esteemed guests including Dr. Yash Gulati and actor Mukesh Tyagi. A keynote address by Nirupama Kotru set the evening's tone, complemented by a welcome from Dr. Nirmal Gehlot.
Dr. Joshi described Kapoor as a moral mirror to an evolving India, emphasizing his films as rich cultural texts that addressed the emotional and ethical dilemmas of a transitioning nation post-independence. Kapoor’s work provided a cinematic language for a society in search of its identity. In a short span after independence, he created significant works like Aag, Barsaat, and Awaara, showcasing emotional depth while the film industry was still developing. His cinema, as noted by Dr. Joshi, merged entertainment with enlightenment, profoundly influencing the collective consciousness of a nation finding its footing. Kapoor's legacy transcends mere film-making; he embodies a cultural revolution that echoes through generations.
Nirupama Kotru emphasized the profound social impact of Raj Kapoor’s films, highlighting his early works like ‘Boot Polish’, ‘Jagte Raho’, and ‘Baawre’ that reflected compassion for the marginalized. She noted the significant influence of his narratives, which even led to dacoits surrendering in the 1970s due to the redemptive stories he portrayed. Sharing a touching story, she recounted an instance where a patient in Africa recognized India through Kapoor, exclaiming, “Raj Kapoor’s India!” B.P. Singh lauded Kapoor's ability to embed moral depth in popular cinema, while Manoj Tiwari deemed him the “cinematic conscience of a generation,” reflecting on his legacy of love, dignity, and social justice.
Dr. Yash Gulati and Mukesh Tyagi shared heartfelt tributes, reinforcing Kapoor's enduring humanism. Dr. Nirmal Gehlot characterized the centenary as a national moment of gratitude for an artist who instilled a soul in Indian cinema. The Raj Kapoor Centenary Celebration is set to continue into 2025, featuring lectures, retrospectives, cultural programs, and exhibitions across India and internationally. Respect India aims to reintroduce Kapoor to new generations as not only a legendary filmmaker but a humane visionary who resonated with the moral conscience of society. Dr. Joshi succinctly summarized Kapoor's legacy, stating, “Raj Kapoor was not just a filmmaker. He was India’s emotional autobiography—written on celluloid.”
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
