Raj Kapoor’s 100th birth anniversary: Dharmendra, Anil Kapoor, Saira Banu & others pay heartfelt tribute to the ‘greatest showman of Indian cinema’

In celebration of Raj Kapoor’s 100th birth anniversary, renowned figures from the film industry paid tribute to the legend. Celebs like Dharmendra, Anil Kapoor, Saira Banu, and Rekha, paid heartfelt tributes. The Kapoor family hosted the centenary celebrations of the late Indian cinema legend Raj Kapoor in Mumbai on Friday. Friends and family including members of the first family Ranbir Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, and Karisma Kapoor among others honoured the family’s patriarch.

Dharmendra, Anil Kapoor and others pay tribute on Raj Kapoor’s 100th birth anniversary

Dharmendra took to Instagram to share a touching black-and-white photograph of himself embracing Raj Kapoor. He captioned, “Dear Raj Saheb, Happy Birthday to you. We miss you! You will always be remembered with great love and respect.” The two actors notably collaborated on the film ‘Mera Naam Joker.’

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Anil Kapoor also expressed his admiration, reflecting on the profound impact Raj Kapoor’s work had on his life. He shared, “14th December, Raj Uncle’s birthday, has always been special. This day has not only been significant for my family but for the entire Indian film fraternity as a day of celebration. His aura, artistry, and vision were unparalleled then and remain so today. On this centenary, I cherish his timeless films and the wonderful memories shared at RK Studios and his Deonar residence. Happy 100th birthday to the ‘Greatest Showman,’ Raj Kapoor. Your legacy continues to inspire.”

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Saira Banu honoured Raj Kapoor with an Instagram video showcasing glimpses of his life and his bond with Dilip Kumar. She began her tribute by noting, “Raj Kapoor, the showman, the dreamer, the eternal storyteller, was once a boy wandering the bustling yet serene streets of Peshawar. It’s no coincidence that both he and Sahib hailed from the same city.” Saira revealed the deep friendship they shared. She said, “They not only shared a city but a bond that transcended fame and the passage of time.”

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Rekha attended the grand celebration of Raj Kapoor’s centenary in a stunning Kanjeevaram saree. The Kapoor family organized a lavish three-day event to commemorate the filmmaker’s remarkable contributions to Indian cinema. This aimed to draw together prominent figures from the industry.

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Raj Kapoor’s 100th birth anniversary

The day prior to the celebrations, a festival featuring the premiere of five of Kapoor’s classic films. The films Awara, Shree 420, Sangam, Mera Naam Joker, and Bobby—took place at a suburban multiplex. This marks the start of a three-day event featuring restored classics. Ranbir Kapoor and his wife Alia Bhatt were the first to grace the red carpet. The venue was adorned with posters celebrating Kapoor’s impressive film legacy.

Raj Kapoor’s family, including daughter Rima Jain, daughter-in-law Babita, Kareena Kapoor and her husband Saif Ali Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Neetu Singh, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, Kunal Kapoor, Aadar Jain, Alekha, and Armaan Jain. The atmosphere was enlivened by a live music band that performed timeless tunes. Songs like ‘Jeena Yaha Marna Yaha’, ‘Mera Joota Hai Japani’, and ‘Kisi Ki Muskurahaton Pe’ were played.

The RK Film Festival, organized by PVR INOX Limited and the Film Heritage Foundation, began on Friday. It will showcase ten of Raj Kapoor’s films- Aag, Barsaat, Awaara, Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai, Sangam, Mera Naam Joker, Bobby, and Ram Teri Ganga Maili. These screenings will take place in select PVR INOX theatres across 40 cities.

Also Read: 100 years of Raj Kapoor: Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt to Kareena Kapoor-Saif Ali Khan, Bollywood celebs grace the film festival