Prime Minister Narendra Modi Meets Kapoor Family To Honour Raj Kapoor's Cultural Influence Ahead Of Centenary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met the Kapoor family, who invited PM for the grand celebrations to commemorate the cinematic genius Raj Kapoor ahead of his centennial birth anniversary. During this heartwarming dialogue in Delhi, PM Modi highlighted Raj Kapoor's significant contribution to establishing India cultural influence globally, before the concept of 'soft power' a recognized term. stated, "In the diplomatic, we talk a lot about soft power. at a time when this phrase didn't even exist, Raj Kapoor sahab established India's soft power all over the world. It was his big service to India."

This intimate gathering was not just about reminiscing but also about looking forward. The Prime Minister proposed the idea of creating a visual narrative to showcase Raj Kapoor's enduring legacy, especially in Central Asia where his art left an indelible mark. He suggested, "Can we do something, probably a film that captures Raj Kapoor's imprint on the hearts and minds of people of Central Asia... He had a big impact on people's lives in Central Asia and I think we should resurrect it and connect it with the new generation."

Family Members Share Their Thoughts

Post-meeting, the Kapoor family expressed their gratitude and joy. Ranbir Kapoor voiced his appreciation, stating, “We had a lot of fun during our chat with the PM and we asked a lot of personal questions. He was very friendly with us. We were very nervous before the meeting but he was very good and made us comfortable and I really thank him." Echoing this sentiment, Kareena Kapoor Khan mentioned it was her dream to have a conversation with PM Modi, praising his global leadership and positive energy. Alia Bhatt also shared her pride in the family's moment with the Prime Minister, appreciating his suggestions on taking Raj Kapoor’s legacy forward.

During the meeting, the Kapoor family extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to attend the Raj Kapoor Film Festival. The festival, which will span 101 cinemas across 34 cities from December 13 to 15, is a tribute to Raj Kapoor's rich filmography. Organized by PVR INOX Limited and the Film Heritage Foundation, it aims to celebrate the works of Raj Kapoor, an actor, editor, director, and producer renowned for classics like "Aag", "Awara", "Barsaat", "Shree 420", and "Bobby".

The Prime Minister also shared personal anecdotes to illustrate the profound impact of Raj Kapoor's work. He recounted how, during his visit to China, he was moved to find Raj Kapoor's songs being played, a moment he captured and shared with Rishi Kapoor, who was delighted. Additionally, PM Modi narrated an amusing tale involving former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani, who, after losing an election, decided to uplift their spirits by watching Raj Kapoor's "Phir Subah Hogi", signaling a new dawn thereafter.

This encounter between Prime Minister Modi and the Kapoor family not only celebrated the cinematic legend Raj Kapoor but also acknowledged his role in pioneering India's soft power through his art. It served as a poignant reminder of the timeless nature of Raj Kapoor's work and his influence on both Indian culture and the broader global community.

To conclude, the meeting was a heartfelt tribute to Raj Kapoor's enduring legacy, illustrating the power of cinema in transcending borders and generations. Through shared stories, laughter, and future ambitions, it was a convergence of past glory and future possibilities, capturing the essence of what Raj Kapoor represented — a universal storyteller whose narratives continue to resonate globally.