Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with members of Kapoor family on Wednesday to discuss plans for centenary celebrations of legendary filmmaker and actor Raj Kapoor. meeting highlighted Raj Kapoor’s profound impact on Indian film industry and his enduring legacy as India’s “cultural ambassador.” PM Modi shared his reflections and insights on occasion, underscoring significance of Kapoor’s work in shaping India’s global cultural identity.
Prime Minister called centenary celebrations a tribute to “saga of golden journey of Indian film industry.” He emphasized historical importance of Kapoor’s contributions, particularly his role in establishing India’s “soft power” during an era when global concept of India was still emerging. PM Modi highlighted 1947 movie Neel Kamal as a pivotal work, describing its role in shaping evolution of Indian cinema.
Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Address:
| Aspect | Details |
| Kapoor’s Legacy | PM Modi praised Kapoor for showcasing India’s soft power globally, especially in Central Asia. |
| Soft Power Diplomacy | Kapoor’s films were instrumental in creating cultural connections, making Indian cinema globally relevant. |
| Significance of Neel Kamal | Prime Minister spotlighted movie for its lasting influence on industry. |
| Call for New Cinema Projects | PM Modi suggested creating films for Central Asia to engage new generations in these regions. |
| Personal Anecdote | Modi shared how Kapoor’s film Phir Subah Hogi inspired political resilience during a challenging time. |
Raj Kapoor as a Global Icon
Raj Kapoor, often referred to as “showman of Indian cinema,” holds a special place in hearts of global audiences, particularly in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. PM Modi noted enduring popularity of Kapoor’s films in these regions and urged Kapoor family to leverage this cultural connection to create content that appeals to modern audiences.
Reema Kapoor, Raj Kapoor’s daughter, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister for recognizing her father’s legacy. She recited a song from one of Kapoor’s films during meeting, calling him India’s “cultural ambassador.” sentiment deeply resonated with PM Modi, who reiterated importance of preserving and promoting Kapoor’s works as symbols of India’s artistic excellence.
Celebrations and Restorations
Ranbir Kapoor, one of family’s leading representatives in film industry, shared details of centenary celebrations. Kapoor family, in collaboration with Central Government, National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), and National Film Archive of India (NFAI), has planned a retrospective of Raj Kapoor’s works. Key highlights include:
| Event Details | Information |
| Retrospective Dates | December 13–15, 2024 |
| Restored Films | Audio-visual restoration of 10 iconic Raj Kapoor films |
| Screenings | Films to be shown in 160 theatres across 40 cities in India |
| Premiere Event | December 13 in Mumbai with attendance from key figures of film industry |
Raj Kapoor’s Films: Cultural Bridges
Kapoor’s films like Awara, Shree 420, and Mera Naam Joker not only earned critical acclaim but also forged cultural ties internationally. PM Modi proposed creating a documentary or feature film focused on Kapoor’s impact on Central Asia, highlighting his ability to bridge cultures through cinematic storytelling.
Kapoor Family’s Role in Preserving Legacy
Kapoor family expressed their dedication to keeping Raj Kapoor’s legacy alive. Ranbir Kapoor emphasized family’s efforts in restoring films and promoting retrospective screenings as a way to educate future generations about filmmaker’s contributions. He thanked government and film organizations for their support.
Personal Impact of Raj Kapoor’s Films
PM Modi recounted a personal anecdote about impact of Kapoor’s work. Reflecting on film Phir Subah Hogi, Prime Minister noted how its message of hope and resilience inspired political leaders during a period of electoral defeat. This personal connection underscored emotional and cultural depth of Kapoor’s work.
Conclusion
PM Modi’s engagement with Kapoor family and his acknowledgment of Raj Kapoor’s legacy highlight government’s commitment to recognizing Indian cinema’s role in cultural diplomacy. centenary celebrations promise to reignite interest in Kapoor’s works and underscore his enduring influence on Indian and global cinema.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available information and statements made during meeting. details have been compiled for informational purposes, and readers are encouraged to verify facts independently.
