New Delhi: To commemorate iconic actor and filmmaker Raj Kapoor's 90th birthday today, Google has posted a doodle.
Born as Ranbir Raj Kapoor on December 14, 1924, Raj, the son of actor Prithvi Raj Kapoor, garnered huge recognition and respect for his contribution to Indian cinema. He started as a clapper boy but bagged his first role at age 11. He got his first break in Neel Kamalin 1947. In 1948, at 24, he became the youngest film director of his time when he set up his own studio R K Films. He made his first feature film, 'Aag' which become the first of his many early successes, including 'Barsaat' in 1949 and 'Shri 420'.
"Jeena yahan, marnaa yahan, iske siwa jaanaa kahaan" (I will live here, I will die...where else could I go?) Perhaps, that was what Raj Kapoor wanted to say regarding his association with Indian cinema. Kapoor had whole-heartedly embraced the Indian popular cinema from the very beginning. He was a megastar, producer, director, actor and an all-round showman.
Raj made every effort to ensure that his movies appealed to every section of society, particularly the common man. Film historians have called him the 'Charlie Chaplin of India', since he often himself played a tramp-like figure who, despite adversity, could still be cheerful and an honest man. Many of his films were characterised not only by lively music but also by the extensive use of elaborate sets. The songs of his films were not just popular in India but in Africa and the Middle East.
Not just introducing is own sons Randhir, Rishi and Ranbeer, Kapoor is also well known to play godfather to many. He for example introduced Nimmi, Dimple Kapadia, Zeenat Aman and Mandakini. Also music directors Shankar-Jaikishan, lyricist Hasrat Jaipuri started their careers by working in Raj Kapoor films. He had so much to contribute to the film world that he was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1988 for lifetime commitment to Indian cinema.
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