Time to revisit Raj Kapoor's classics, rediscover his vision of inclusive, just, compassionate India

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*

Raj Kapoor, born 100 years ago, left an indelible mark on Indian cinema before his untimely death at 66. He was not just an actor, director, and producer but a visionary who celebrated collective creativity. His legacy is incomplete without acknowledging the immortal contributions of Mukesh, the legendary lyricist Shailendra, the iconic duo Shankar-Jaikishan, and writer Khwaja Ahmed Abbas. Raj Kapoor uniquely cherished and credited his collaborators, unlike many others in an industry often plagued by "intellectual theft."

Shailendra, Kapoor's "Kaviraj," was a genius lyricist who penned some of the most memorable songs in Indian cinema. Tragically, he passed away in 1966 at the young age of 43, leaving Raj Kapoor devastated. Their collaboration created timeless classics, including Teesri Kasam, which, despite critical acclaim, failed commercially. Kapoor always mourned the loss of Shailendra and his unparalleled artistry.

Mukesh, often described as Kapoor's "voice and soul," epitomized the innocent, common-man characters Kapoor portrayed on screen. Alongside them, Shankar-Jaikishan’s magical compositions enriched the RK Films banner. Together, they redefined cinematic music, creating songs that remain iconic to this day.

Early Bold Choices

Raj Kapoor began his directorial journey at 24 with Aag (1948), a film that was strikingly bold for its time. Its narrative and Mukesh's hauntingly beautiful "Zinda hoon is tarah ke gham-e-zindagi nahi" captured audiences. This was followed by Barsaat (1949), which introduced the iconic RK Films logo, symbolizing Kapoor’s partnership with Nargis, who starred alongside him in 12 films. With Barsaat, the quartet of Shailendra, Mukesh, and Shankar-Jaikishan became inseparable from Kapoor's cinematic universe.

Social Themes and International Fame

Awara (1951) was a masterpiece that resonated globally, with the song "Awara Hoon" becoming a rage internationally. The film challenged societal prejudices and explored themes of redemption and justice. Its groundbreaking dream sequence, "Ghar Aaya Mera Pardesi," showcased Kapoor's visual imagination.

Kapoor’s romantic chemistry with Nargis reached its zenith in films like Chori Chori ("Aaja Sanam Madhur Chandni Mein Hum") and Shree 420 ("Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua"). Their on-screen love seemed so genuine that it became synonymous with innocence and purity.

Exploring India’s Soul

In Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (1960), Kapoor played the titular “Raju,” whose simplistic charm embodied the spirit of an inclusive India. Its titular song, "Hum Us Desh Ke Vaasi Hain," captured the essence of a nation built on unity and hospitality.

Jagte Raho (1956) and Boot Polish (1954), though commercial underperformers, were cinematic gems that critiqued societal hypocrisies and injustices. Kapoor later lamented not revisiting such themes, citing their exhausting creative demands.

Transition to New Eras

After the commercial failure of Mera Naam Joker (1970), a deeply personal project, Kapoor pivoted his focus. Despite its box-office rejection, the film remains a testament to his idealism, featuring unforgettable songs like "Jeena Yahan, Marna Yahan."

Kapoor then embraced a new cinematic phase with films like Bobby (1973), introducing fresh talent and a youthful perspective. He also explored bold themes in Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Prem Rog, and Ram Teri Ganga Maili. While critics accused him of exploiting nudity, Kapoor defended his storytelling as authentic to his narratives, never crossing into vulgarity.

The Spirit of Socialism

Kapoor’s films consistently championed social justice and inclusivity. His brand of socialism was deeply humanistic, rooted in ideals of equality and hope. Through characters that represented the oppressed and the marginalized, he gave voice to India’s struggles and aspirations.

Timeless Philosophy

Two songs capture Kapoor’s philosophy of life:

1. From Mera Naam Joker:

"Kal khel mein hum ho na ho,

Gardish mein taare rahenge sada."

2. From Anari:

"Kisi ke muskuraahaton pe ho nisaar,

Kisi ka dard mil sake toh le udhaar,

Jeena isi ka naam hai."

Both reflect Kapoor’s enduring optimism and belief in humanity.

A Legacy Beyond Cinema

Raj Kapoor’s films were more than entertainment; they were powerful vehicles for socio-political commentary, combining artistic brilliance with profound messages. His collaborations with legends like Shailendra, Mukesh, and Khwaja Ahmed Abbas elevated Indian cinema to new heights.

As we celebrate his centenary, let us revisit his classics and rediscover his vision of an inclusive, just, and compassionate India. Raj Kapoor remains an unparalleled luminary whose work continues to inspire generations.

---

*Human rights defender

Comments

New RTI draft rules inspired by citizen-unfriendly, overtly bureaucratic approach

By Venkatesh Nayak* The Department of Personnel and Training , Government of India has invited comments on a new set of Draft Rules (available in English only) to implement The Right to Information Act, 2005 . The RTI Rules were last amended in 2012 after a long period of consultation with various stakeholders. The Government’s move to put the draft RTI Rules out for people’s comments and suggestions for change is a welcome continuation of the tradition of public consultation. Positive aspects of the Draft RTI Rules While 60-65% of the Draft RTI Rules repeat the content of the 2012 RTI Rules, some new aspects deserve appreciation as they clarify the manner of implementation of key provisions of the RTI Act. These are: Provisions for dealing with non-compliance of the orders and directives of the Central Information Commission (CIC) by public authorities- this was missing in the 2012 RTI Rules. Non-compliance is increasingly becoming a major problem- two of my non-compliance cases are...

History, culture and literature of Fatehpur, UP, from where Maulana Hasrat Mohani hailed

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* Maulana Hasrat Mohani was a member of the Constituent Assembly and an extremely important leader of our freedom movement. Born in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh, Hasrat Mohani's relationship with nearby district of Fatehpur is interesting and not explored much by biographers and historians. Dr Mohammad Ismail Azad Fatehpuri has written a book on Maulana Hasrat Mohani and Fatehpur. The book is in Urdu. He has just come out with another important book, 'Hindi kee Pratham Rachna: Chandayan' authored by Mulla Daud Dalmai.' During my recent visit to Fatehpur town, I had an opportunity to meet Dr Mohammad Ismail Azad Fatehpuri and recorded a conversation with him on issues of history, culture and literature of Fatehpur. Sharing this conversation here with you. Kindly click this link. --- *Human rights defender. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/vbrawat , X @freetohumanity, Skype @vbrawat

Urgent need to study cause of large number of natural deaths in Gulf countries

By Venkatesh Nayak* According to data tabled in Parliament in April 2018, there are 87.76 lakh (8.77 million) Indians in six Gulf countries, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While replying to an Unstarred Question (#6091) raised in the Lok Sabha, the Union Minister of State for External Affairs said, during the first half of this financial year alone (between April-September 2018), blue-collared Indian workers in these countries had remitted USD 33.47 Billion back home. Not much is known about the human cost of such earnings which swell up the country’s forex reserves quietly. My recent RTI intervention and research of proceedings in Parliament has revealed that between 2012 and mid-2018 more than 24,570 Indian Workers died in these Gulf countries. This works out to an average of more than 10 deaths per day. For every US$ 1 Billion they remitted to India during the same period there were at least 117 deaths of Indian Workers in Gulf ...

N-power plant at Mithi Virdi: CRZ nod is arbitrary, without jurisdiction

By Krishnakant* A case-appeal has been filed against the order of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and others granting CRZ clearance for establishment of intake and outfall facility for proposed 6000 MWe Nuclear Power Plant at Mithi Virdi, District Bhavnagar, Gujarat by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) vide order in F 11-23 /2014-IA- III dated March 3, 2015. The case-appeal in the National Green Tribunal at Western Bench at Pune is filed by Shaktisinh Gohil, Sarpanch of Jasapara; Hajabhai Dihora of Mithi Virdi; Jagrutiben Gohil of Jasapara; Krishnakant and Rohit Prajapati activist of the Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the MoEF&CC, Gujarat Pollution Control Board, Gujarat Coastal Zone Management Authority, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and case is kept for hearing on August 20, 2015. Appeal No. 23 of 2015 (WZ) is filed, a...

Justice for Zubeen Garg: Fans persist as investigations continue in India and Singapore

By Nava Thakuria* Even a month after the death of Assam’s cultural icon Zubeen Garg in Singapore under mysterious circumstances, thousands of his fans and admirers across eastern India continue their campaign for “ JusticeForZubeenGarg .” A large digital campaign has gained momentum, with over two million social media users from around the world demanding legal action against those allegedly responsible. Although the Assam government has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has arrested seven people, and a judicial commission headed by Justice Soumitra Saikia of the Gauhati High Court to oversee the probe, public pressure for justice remains strong.

Gujarat agate worker, who fought against bondage, died of silicosis, won compensation

Raju Parmar By Jagdish Patel* This is about an agate worker of Khambhat in Central Gujarat. Born in a Vankar family, Raju Parmar first visited our weekly OPD clinic in Shakarpur on March 4, 2009. Aged 45 then, he was assigned OPD No 199/03/2009. He was referred to the Cardiac Care Centre, Khambhat, to get chest X-ray free of charge. Accordingly, he got it done and submitted his report. At that time he was working in an agate crushing unit of one Kishan Bhil.

Budget for 2018-19: Ahmedabad authorities "regularly" under-spend allocation

By Mahender Jethmalani* The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC's) General Body (Municipal Board) recently passed the AMC’s annual budget estimates of Rs 6,990 crore for 2018-19. AMC’s revenue expenditure for the next financial year is Rs 3,500 crore and development budget (capital budget) is Rs 3,490 crore.

Licy Bharucha’s pilgrimage into the lives of India’s freedom fighters

By Moin Qazi* Book Review: “Oral History of Indian Freedom Movement”, by Dr Licy Bharucha; Pp240; Rs 300; Published by National Museum of Indian Freedom Movement The Congress has won political freedom, but it has yet to win economic freedom, social and moral freedom. These freedoms are harder than the political, if only because they are constructive, less exciting and not spectacular. — Mahatma Gandhi The opening quote of the book by Mahatma Gandhi sums up the true objective of India’s freedom struggle. It also in essence speaks for the multitudes of brave and courageous individuals who aspired to get themselves jailed for the cause of the country’s freedom. A jail term was a strong testimony and credential of patriotism for them. The book has been written by Dr Licy Bharucha, an academically trained political scientist and a scholar of peace studies and Gandhian studies, who was closely associated throughout her life with those who made the struggle for India’s independence the primar...

Warning bells for India: Tribal exploitation by powerful corporate interests may turn into international issue

By Ashok Shrimali* Warning bells are ringing for India. Even as news drops in from Odisha that Adivasi villages, one after another, are rejecting the top UK-based MNC Vedanta's plea for mining, a recent move by two senior scholars Felix Padel and Samarendra Das suggests the way tribals are being exploited in India by powerful international and national business interests may become an international issue. In fact, one has only to count days when things may be taken up at the United Nations level, with India being pushed to the corner. Padel, it may be recalled, is a major British authority on indigenous peoples across the world, with several scholarly books to his credit.

Search This Blog