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Raj Kapoor’s full name is interestingly Ranbir Raj Kapoor. However, he is popularly known as Raj Kapoor (Hereafter referred to as RK). Current heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor is his grandson and has been named after him by his extremely popular filmstar son Rishi Kapoor.
Today 14th December is the Birthday of RK, called India’s Greatest Showman or Clark Gable Of India or Charlie Chaplin Of India. On his birthday, let us reminiscence some interesting and rare trivia about him.
A young Director at 24
RK produced, directed and acted Aag in 1948. This was the 1st film of the RK Banner and he was only 24. However, it was not a success. This was his first film with Nargis and they went on to act in 16 films together.
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His next movie, Barsaat was a major success. Barsaat was the 1st time RK teamed up with Shankar-Jaikishan and the team went on to do many memorable movies together.
Raj Kapoor and Mukesh
One cannot think about RK without associating him with Mukesh. They had many memorable songs together such as Awaara hoon, Dost dost na raha, Kisi ke muskurahoton pe and Jaane kahaan gaye vo din.
RK and Mukesh met for the 1st time in 1947 during the shooting of the film Neelkamal. Mukesh was practising and impressed by his voice, RK could not control himself and went up and introduced himself. Aag and Barsaat made them friends and started a memorable journey of friendship. When Mukesh passed away, RK wept and said, “I have lost my voice”.
When Mukesh passed away he had a concert commitment which his son Nitin Mukesh wanted to fulfil. However, there was lack of star-power. RK postponed the shooting of Satyam Shivam Sundaram and agreed to be the chief guest. The entire industry turned out and made the event a success due to his presence. Nitin Mukesh always says “Whatever I am in life, its due to Raj Kapoor”