When the world celebrated 100 Years of the Cinema, Russia had planned to release a series of picture books on the great personalities of cinema who had influenced Russian viewers. They released books on such film craftsmen as Sergei Eisentsien, Sergei Bondarchuk, Charlie Chaplin… and Raj Kapoor.
Raj Kapoor! What was India’s legendary showman doing on the Russia’s list of great filmmakers? Plenty, actually! For many decades, Raj Kapoor was the one foreign filmmaker (apart from Charlie Chaplin) who had a faithful fan following deep in the heart of Soviet Russia!
In 1951, Raj Kapoor had laid the foundation of his RK Studio in Mumbai. A few years later, the studio rolled out its early films – Awara and Shri 420 – which became hits in India and cult classics in Soviet Russia.
Raj Kapoor Magic
1947. While Prithviraj Kapoor’s Prithvi Theatre Company was touring the country performing traditional and experimental plays across India, his son up-coming actor Raj Kapoor, who had already made hits like Barsaat and Aag, was dreaming of setting up his own film studio in Bombay – the vibrant heart of the growing film industry of India.
1951. Raj Kapoor set up RK Studio in the suburb of Chembur, and even while the studio was semi-complete, he shot the famous dream sequence of Awara there.
1954. With the releases of Awara, followed by Shri 420, Raj Kapoor became one of the top actor-directors of the Bombay Talkies.
His early films were extremely popular in Soviet Russia. These were the first Indian films to be screened in Russian cinemas, as a prelude to Prime Minister Nehru’s first visit to the former Soviet Union. Most of the films being made in the Soviet Union were heavy propaganda films. Raj Kapoor’s films presented almost the same pro-poor, pro-working class “propaganda” – but in such imaginative and splendid settings that the Russians were mesmerized. Raj and Nargis were tremendously popular even with the people on the streets. When they visited Russia, the people recognized them on the streets. They would request Raj to sing Awara hoon for them. And he had a hard time convincing them that it was a playback singer – not him – who had actually sung the song in the film. What was more significant was that Raj Kapoor’s films caused the Russian filmmakers to gradually change their own heavy-handed style of making propaganda films. Raj’s films directly influenced such latter Russian classics like Ballad of a Soldier.
However, the era of light, romantic RK movies concluded when the Raj-Nargis affair ended in the late 50s -- after she married Sunil Dutt whom she had met while shooting Mother India. Raj returned to RK Studio with a determination to show the world (and Nargis) that he could still make great movies on his own! He was fired by the true-life story of a schoolteacher in Gujarat, who reformed a tribe of dacoits by education. This became the setting of Raj’s finest movie Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (1961) set in the UP badlands. RK movies were known for their great songs (most of them personally scripted by Raj himself), but this movie has a string of beautiful songs – each of them a gem!
The success of Jis Desh, led him to think really big. Sangam was a four-hour, Technicolor magnum opus, which hopped around the world (Switzerland, Paris, London). That is when he earned himself the title The Great Showman of Indian Cinema. But, Sangam was followed by two critical successes that flopped at the box-office – Teesri Kasam (1966) and Mera Naam Joker (1970). The failure of Joker almost wiped him out (both financially and emotionally) – but Raj re-invented himself with a fresh, love story – Bobby – that took the younger generation by storm. And RK Studio’s fortunes were smiling once more!
The last great movie that the Showman made was Ram Teri Ganga Maili. Perhaps it lacks the frothiness of his earlier romances or the sincerity of Jis Desh Mein, but Ram Teri Ganga shows Raj Kapoor at his matured best.
The story is the age-old melodrama of a tourist visiting a hill station and leaving behind an innocent who he has loved and forgotten. What is different, however, is Raj Kapoor’s symbolic journey that traces the heroine’s evolution from simple village lass to unwed mother as she travels down the Ganges -- from Gangotri in the Himalayas to the evil cities on the plains.
But, like in most Raj Kapoor films, the film has an is a happy ending -- for deep down in his heart, the Great Showman was an optimistic romantic, who believed that individuals could rise from the sorriest situations to plains of bliss – with a little effort, some luck and guidance from the greatest showman of them all – God!
A List of Raj Kapoor’s Great Movies
I can go on and on talking about the filmmaker. But, the best way to really get to know Raj Kapoor is to see his films. Here then, is of what I consider his greatest films with a brief summary of their fascinating plots (and a mention of the great RK hit songs). Of course, readers will have their own favourites among his films – and many may disagree with my choices. After all, he made (and acted in) so many movies, in so many moods – that it is difficult to really name the very best!
Andaz (1949): Raj Kapoor and Nargis -- with Dilip Kumar thrown in for a melodramatic twist in the triangle. Watch Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar match acting talents in a story of love and suspicion. Hear Naushad’s unforgettable Tu kahe agar. Bombay’s Liberty theatre opened with Andaz – it ran there for two years!
Awara (1952): A story much deeper than it appears to be. When judge Prithviraj Kapoor pronounces dacoit Jaggu (K. N. Singh) guilty merely on the grounds that “his father was a thief, so he too automatically must be a thief”, the dacoit swears revenge. Jaggu kidnaps the judge’s son (Raj Kapoor) and trains him to be a criminal. Raj, the awara (loafer) grows up and falls in love with lawyer Nargis. A crime he commits, lands him in the court where his father is the judge. Which will prove stronger – nature or nurture? Sway to Ghar aya mera pardesi and Awaara hoon.
Shri 420 (l954): Tramp Raju whistles through his travails, with his theme song Mera Jotha hai Japani (which became a giant hit in India and Russia – and remains till date, Raj’s signature tune). He falls in love with a simple schoolteacher (Nargis). But, he meets Maya (Nadira) who entices him with the bright lights of the city. Which side will win – high morals or his baser desires? With Ramiyah vastavaya , Pyar hua ikrar hua and Mud mud ke na dekh.
Anari (1959): Simpleton Raj shares a mother-son relationship with his landlady, Mrs. D’Sa (Lalita Pawar). He falls in love with Nutan, who hides from him the fact that she is the daughter of his boss. Her father’s factory is manufacturing spurious medicines. When one of the bogus drugs claims Mrs. D’Sa’s life, Raj sets out to expose his boss – but the cunning boss frames Raj instead!
Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behta Hain (1961): Simpleton Raju stumbles on the hideout of a gang of dacoits and tries to reform then by love and reason. He made this movie after his split with Nargis and it became vital to show the world (and her) that he could still make great movies without her! One of his finest stories with some of his best songs – Mera naam Raju, O basanti, Aa ab laut chal, Hum bhi hai, tum bhi hai and others.
Sangam (1964): The eternal love triangle – but with the RK treatment. Two intervals, scrumptious songs and four hours of movie that fly by – leaving viewers begging for more! (Bol Radha Bol, Dost dost na raha, Yeh mera prem patra and other hit songs)
Mera Naam Joker (1970): This one broke the showman’s heart – this autobiographical musical melodrama (again with two intervals and four hours of running time) that did not click with the public. Though the songs (Ay bhai jara dekh ke chalo and Jeena yahan marna yahan) have become immortal favourites.
Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1986): His last great movie with his most powerful plot entwined with a fascinating, symbolic journey. The travails of a young girl which follows the descent of the River Ganges -- from the Himalayas to the city of Kolkata, before it enters the sea. A Technicolor, kaleidoscopic pilgrimage through the heartland of India and straight to the heart!
So, what are you waiting for? Pick up a RK movie and re-live the best moments of India’s Greatest Showman!
Raj Kapoor (I)
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Date of birth (location)
14 December 1924
Peshawar, British India (now in Pakistan)
Date of death (details)
2 June 1988
New Delhi, India. (kidney failure, heart failure, asthma)
Mini biography
Raj Kapoor was the son of well-known Indian actor Prithviraj Kapoor, who... (show more)
Sometimes Credited As:
Late Shri Raj Kapoor
Photo Gallery IMDbPro Professional Details
Filmography as: Actor, Producer, Miscellaneous Crew, Director, Editor, Writer, Himself, Archive Footage
Actor - filmography
(1980s) (1970s) (1960s) (1950s) (1940s) (1930s)
Kim (1984) (TV) .... Policeman
Vakil Babu (1982)
Gopichand Jasoos (1982) .... Gopichand Jasoos
Abdullah (1980)
Naukri (1978) .... Swaraj Singh 'Captain'
Satyam Shivam Sundaram: Love Sublime (1978) (voice) (uncredited) .... Narrator
... aka Love Sublime
... aka Satyam Shivam Sundaram (India: Hindi title: short title)
Chandi Sona (1977)
Khaan Dost (1976) .... Hawaldar Ramdin
Dharam Karam (1975) .... Ashok Babu
Do Jasoos (1975) .... Dharamchand
Mera Desh Mera Dharam (1973)
Kal Aaj Aur Kal (1971) .... Ram Kapoor
Mera Naam Joker (1970) .... Raju (Joker)
... aka My Name Is Joker (USA)
Sapnon Ka Saudagar (1968) .... Raj Kumar
Around the World (1967) .... Raj Singh
... aka Duniya Ki Sair
Diwana (1967) .... Pyarelal
... aka Deewana (India: Hindi title: alternative transliteration)
... aka Lover
Teesri Kasam (1966) .... Hiraman
... aka The Third Oath
... aka The Third Vow
Dulha Dulhan (1964) .... Raj Kumar
Sangam (1964/I) .... Sunder
... aka Confluence (International: English title) (UK)
Dil Hi To Hai (1963)
Ek Dil Sau Afsane (1963) .... Shekhar
Aashiq (1962)
Nazrana (1961)
Chhalia (1960) .... Chhalia
Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai (1960) .... Raju
Shriman Satyawadi (1960) .... Vijay
Anari (1959) .... Raj Kumar
Char Dil Char Raahein (1959) .... Govinda
... aka Four Faces of India (UK)
... aka Four Hearts, Four Roads
Do Ustad (1959) .... Raj Kumar (Rajan)/Himself
Kanhaiya (1959)
Main Nashe Men Hoon (1959) .... Ram Das Khanna
... aka I Am Intoxicated! (literal English title)
... aka Main Nashey Mein Hoon (India: Hindi title: alternative transliteration)
Parvarish (1958) .... Raja Singh
Phil Subha Hogi (1958) .... Ram Babu
... aka Phir Subah Hogi (India: Hindi title: correct transliteration)
Sharada (1957) .... Shekhar
Chori Chori (1956) .... Sagar/Sultana Daku
Jagte Raho (1956) .... Man from the village
... aka A Night in the City
... aka Ek Din Raatre
... aka Stay Awake
... aka Under Cover of Night
Shree 420 (1955) .... Raj Kumar/Shri. Ranbir Raj
... aka Mr. 420
... aka Shri 420 (India: Hindi title: alternative transliteration)
Aah (1953) .... Raj
... aka Avan (India: Tamil title: dubbed version)
... aka Premalekhalu (India: Telugu title: dubbed version)
Dhoon (1953)
Paapi (1953)
Amber (1952) .... Raj
Anhonee (1952)
... aka The Impossible
Ashiana (1952) .... Raju
Bewafa (1952) .... Raj
Awaara (1951) .... Raj Raghunath
... aka The Tramp
... aka The Vagabond
Banwra (1950)
Bawre Nain (1950) .... Chand
Dastan (1950) .... Raj
Jan Pahchan (1950) .... Anil
... aka Jaan Pehchan (India: Hindi title: alternative transliteration)
Pyaar (1950)
Sargam (1950)
Andaz (1949) .... Rajan
... aka A Matter of Style
... aka Beau monde
Barsaat (1949) .... Pran
... aka Rain
... aka The Monsoons
Parivartan (1949)
... aka The Change
Sunehre Din (1949) .... Premendra
Aag (1948) .... Kewal Khanna
... aka Fire
Amar Prem (1948)
... aka Radha Krishna
Gopinath (1948) .... Mohan
Neel Kamal (1947) .... Madhusudan
Chittor Vijay (1947)
Dil-Ki-Rani (Sweet-Heart) (1947) .... Madhav (Madho)
Jail Yatra (1947)
Valmiki (1946/I)
Gauri (1943)
Hamari Baat (1943)
Inquilab (1935)
... aka After the Earthquake
Filmography as: Actor, Producer, Miscellaneous Crew, Director, Editor, Writer, Himself, Archive Footage
Producer - filmography
(1980s) (1970s) (1960s) (1950s) (1940s)
Prem Rog (1982) (producer)
... aka Love Sickness (International: English title)
Biwi-O-Biwi: The Fun-Film (1981) (producer)
... aka Biwi-O-Biwi (India: Hindi title: short title)
Satyam Shivam Sundaram: Love Sublime (1978) (producer)
... aka Love Sublime
... aka Satyam Shivam Sundaram (India: Hindi title: short title)
Dharam Karam (1975) (producer)
Bobby (1973) (producer)
Kal Aaj Aur Kal (1971) (producer)
Mera Naam Joker (1970) (producer)
... aka My Name Is Joker (USA)
Sangam (1964/I) (producer)
... aka Confluence (International: English title) (UK)
Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai (1960) (producer)
Ab Dilli Dur Nahin (1957) (producer)
Jagte Raho (1956) (producer)
... aka A Night in the City
... aka Ek Din Raatre
... aka Stay Awake
... aka Under Cover of Night
Shree 420 (1955) (producer)
... aka Mr. 420
... aka Shri 420 (India: Hindi title: alternative transliteration)
Boot Polish (1954) (producer)
Aah (1953) (producer)
... aka Avan (India: Tamil title: dubbed version)
... aka Premalekhalu (India: Telugu title: dubbed version)
Awaara (1951) (producer)
... aka The Tramp
... aka The Vagabond
Barsaat (1949) (producer)
... aka Rain
... aka The Monsoons
Aag (1948) (producer)
... aka Fire
Filmography as: Actor, Producer, Miscellaneous Crew, Director, Editor, Writer, Himself, Archive Footage
Miscellaneous Crew - filmography
(1990s) (1980s) (1970s) (1960s) (1950s)
Aa Ab Laut Chalen (1999) (tribute)
... aka Lets Go Back (International: English title)
PremGranth (1996) (inspiration)
... aka Prem Granth (India: Hindi title: video box title)
Henna (1991) (inspiration)
Eeshwar (1989) (dedicatee)
Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswathi (1988) (dedicatee) (as Late Shri Raj Kapoor)
Prem Rog (1982) (presenter)
... aka Love Sickness (International: English title)
Kal Aaj Aur Kal (1971) (presenter)
Anand (1970) (dedicatee)
Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai (1960) (presenter)
Ab Dilli Dur Nahin (1957) (presenter)
Jagte Raho (1956) (presenter)
... aka A Night in the City
... aka Ek Din Raatre
... aka Stay Awake
... aka Under Cover of Night
Filmography as: Actor, Producer, Miscellaneous Crew, Director, Editor, Writer, Himself, Archive Footage
Director - filmography
(1980s) (1970s) (1960s) (1950s) (1940s)
Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985)
Prem Rog (1982)
... aka Love Sickness (International: English title)
Satyam Shivam Sundaram: Love Sublime (1978)
... aka Love Sublime
... aka Satyam Shivam Sundaram (India: Hindi title: short title)
Bobby (1973)
Mera Naam Joker (1970)
... aka My Name Is Joker (USA)
Sangam (1964/I)
... aka Confluence (International: English title) (UK)
Shree 420 (1955)
... aka Mr. 420
... aka Shri 420 (India: Hindi title: alternative transliteration)
Awaara (1951)
... aka The Tramp
... aka The Vagabond
Barsaat (1949)
... aka Rain
... aka The Monsoons
Aag (1948)
... aka Fire
Filmography as: Actor, Producer, Miscellaneous Crew, Director, Editor, Writer, Himself, Archive Footage
Editor - filmography
(1980s) (1970s) (1960s)
Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985)
Prem Rog (1982)
... aka Love Sickness (International: English title)
Satyam Shivam Sundaram: Love Sublime (1978)
... aka Love Sublime
... aka Satyam Shivam Sundaram (India: Hindi title: short title)
Bobby (1973)
Mera Naam Joker (1970)
... aka My Name Is Joker (USA)
Sangam (1964/I)
... aka Confluence (International: English title) (UK)
Filmography as: Actor, Producer, Miscellaneous Crew, Director, Editor, Writer, Himself, Archive Footage
Writer - filmography
Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985) (story)
Filmography as: Actor, Producer, Miscellaneous Crew, Director, Editor, Writer, Himself, Archive Footage
Himself - filmography
(1980s) (1950s)
Raj Kapoor (1987) .... Himself
Naseeb (1981) .... Himself
... aka Destiny
Boot Polish (1954) (uncredited) .... Himself (Man Asleep on Train)
Filmography as: Actor, Producer, Miscellaneous Crew, Director, Editor, Writer, Himself, Archive Footage
Archive Footage
Eeshwar (1989) (uncredited) .... Himself