November 25, 2024: Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has announced the launch of the Raj Kapoor Film Festival to commemorate the legendary filmmaker’s birth centenary this December. The festival, set to run from December 13 to 15, will showcase restored versions of 10 of Raj Kapoor’s classic films across India.
Ranbir revealed the initiative during a conversation with filmmaker Rahul Rawail at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Speaking to a packed auditorium at the Kala Academy, he shared his excitement about celebrating his grandfather’s enduring legacy in Indian cinema.
“This December 14 marks my grandfather Raj Kapoor’s 100th birth anniversary. To honor his memory, the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC), National Film Archives of India (NFAI), Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), and my uncle Kunal Kapoor have joined hands to restore 10 of his iconic films. These will be screened as part of the Raj Kapoor Film Festival,” Ranbir said.
Celebrating a Cinematic Legacy
The festival aims to introduce younger audiences to Raj Kapoor’s timeless work and ensure his contributions are remembered for generations. Ranbir stressed the importance of preserving Bollywood’s rich heritage.
“I hope everyone comes to watch these classics. It’s crucial that we remember our roots. I still recall the first Raj Kapoor song I played for my daughter Raha—it was Kisi Ki Muskurahaton Pe Ho Nisaar from Anari (1959),” Ranbir shared.
He reflected on the cyclical nature of fame, recalling a conversation with his wife, Alia Bhatt. “When I first met Alia, she asked me, ‘Who’s Kishore Kumar?’ It’s a reminder of how easily people can be forgotten. Celebrating artists like Raj Kapoor helps keep their legacy alive.”
A Biopic in the Making?
Ranbir also touched on his long-held ambition to create a biopic about Raj Kapoor, a project he has discussed with his mentor, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
“Making a biopic on Raj Kapoor would be an enormous challenge. It’s not just about highlighting his successes but portraying his life honestly—the highs, the lows, and the complexities of his relationships. I’ve spoken to Mr. Bhansali about it, but such a project requires the family’s agreement to depict every facet of his life. Still, I believe it would make an incredible film,” Ranbir explained.
Reuniting with Sanjay Leela Bhansali
The actor expressed his excitement about collaborating with Bhansali once again on the upcoming film Love & War. The filmmaker, who launched Ranbir’s career with Saawariya (2007), remains a guiding force in his life.
“Even after 17 years, working with Mr. Bhansali feels the same. He’s completely dedicated to his craft. All he ever thinks about is his movies. I’m thrilled to be working with him again,” Ranbir said.
A Timeless Tribute
With the Raj Kapoor Film Festival, Ranbir hopes to rekindle the magic of his grandfather’s work while inspiring future generations to cherish and learn from the rich history of Indian cinema.
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