Raj Kapoor’s 100th Birth Anniversary: Amitabh Bachchan Calls Him "An Artist Who Lived for Cinema
Amitabh Bachchan paid an emotional tribute to legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor ahead of his centenary on December 14, 2024. Sharing his thoughts on his blog, Bachchan praised Kapoor’s unparalleled contribution to cinema, calling him "an artist who lived for cinema."
A Grand Tribute to the Greatest Showman
To mark the occasion, the Film Heritage Foundation has partnered with R.K. Films for a special celebration titled "Raj Kapoor 100 – Celebrating the Centenary of the Greatest Showman". This initiative will showcase 10 iconic Raj Kapoor films across 40 cities and 135 cinemas in India, allowing audiences to revisit the timeless works of the legendary filmmaker.
Raj Kapoor’s Vision and Legacy
Bachchan highlighted Kapoor’s visionary work, particularly the groundbreaking 1951 film Awaara, which featured his father, Prithviraj Kapoor, alongside Nargis, Leela Chitnis, and K.N. Singh. Reflecting on the film’s iconic dream sequence, he wrote, "The fantastical imagination, the surreal settings, the ethereal Nargisji, and the powerful symbolism in the sequence remain etched in my mind as a testament to Rajji's incredible showmanship."
Centenary Celebrations in Mumbai
The Kapoor family, including Randhir Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Alia Bhatt, will gather for a grand event in Mumbai to honor Raj Kapoor’s legacy. Renowned Bollywood personalities such as Rekha, Jeetendra, Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan, and Karan Johar are expected to attend, making it a star-studded celebration of one of Indian cinema’s greatest icons.
