#GoldenFrames: Pictorial Biography of Raj Kapoor, Bollywood's greatest showman

When one talks about Bollywood stars, the conversation seems incomplete if the 'Kapoor family' name has not been mentioned. With generations of limitless talent, the Kapoors are certainly the most respected family in Indian cinema. But how often do we thank the man who was responsible for it all? This legend explored all aspects of cinema and succeeded in all of them. Yes, we're talking about the one and only Raj Kapoor. While he loved spending time on movie sets, he also made time for his family and loved throwing lavish parties. Let's take a closer look at the professional and personal life of the greatest showman of Bollywood Raj Kapoor.

Born to Prithviraj Kapoor and Ramsarni Devi Kapoor, Raj Kapoor was the eldest of the six children in the family. He changed several schools after moving to present- day India from Peshawar in the 1930s because of Prithviraj Kapoor’s acting career.

As a teenager, Raj Kapoor was not interested in studies. However, his growing interest in cinema made him quit studies and take up a job as an assistant producer at a studio.

Raj Kapoor was only 10 years old when he appeared on the big screen for the first time in ‘Inquilab’. It was his performance in ‘Neel Kamal’ opposite debutant Madhubala which was regarded as his breakthrough role.

After establishing his own studio, R.K. films in 1948, he went on to become the youngest filmmaker to direct at age 24. Raj Kapoor’s directorial debut ‘Aag’ featured himself and Nargis in lead roles.

Several major hits were produced under R.K. films, including ‘Barsaat’, 'Shree 420', 'Awaara', 'Jagte Raho' and 'Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai'.

Apart from creating some of the most entertaining films, Raj Kapoor was also known for touching upon social issues through films such as 'Boot Polish' and 'Ab Dilli Door Nahin'.

Some films under his banner also have a patriotic theme, especially the film 'Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai', which was made when India became a newly independent country. The film featured the song 'Mera Joota Hai Japani', which went on to gain popularity across the globe and has been played in a number of films thereafter.

While he achieved great success as a director and a producer, critics took notice of his acting in the 1949 film 'Andaz', which also featured Nargis and his close friend Dilip Kumar.

‘Dastan’, ‘Chori Chori’, ‘Anari’, ‘Do Ustad’ and ‘Dil Hi To Hai’ were some of his hit films as an actor that were not produced by R.K. films.