Raj Kapoor Birthday: Celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of the renowned ‘Showman’ of Bollywood, Raj Kapoor, is set to be a memorable event. Kicking off the festivities is the inaugural auction featuring prized memorabilia from his illustrious film journey.
Originally named Srishti Nath Kapoor, Raj Kapoor gained fame and acclaim under his iconic moniker. The recipient of the National Award, Raj Kapoor, born on December 14, 1924, commenced his artistic journey as a child actor in the movie ‘Inquilab’ (1935).
He soared to success in the world of cinema, showcasing his prowess as an accomplished actor, producer, and director. In honor of his remarkable impact on the Indian film industry, spanning from the black-and-white era onwards, Derivatives & Ives is hosting a significant online auction named ‘Celebrating The Greatest Showman Raj Kapoor 100’ scheduled for December 14-16.
Raj Kapoor Birthday
On December 14, we commemorate Raj Kapoor birth anniversary, a legendary actor. His life mirrors a captivating film narrative filled with remarkable moments. Throughout his illustrious film career, Raj Kapoor Sahab crafted numerous cinematic masterpieces.
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Raj Kapoor Death Date
Raj faced Asthma during his later years, and sadly, in 1988, at the age of 63, he passed away due to the condition. The unfortunate incident occurred at an event in New Delhi, where he was supposed to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
He was rushed to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi for treatment and remained hospitalized for about a month.
The memorial for Raj and his parents is situated at ‘Rajbaugh,’ which translates to the garden of kings. This memorial is located within the MIT Art Design & Technology University, specifically on the banks of the Mula-Mutha River in the Loni Kalbhor village, 30 km east of Pune in Maharashtra. The memorial was inaugurated in 2014 in the presence of Lata Mangeshkar and the Kapoor family.
Raj Kapoor Movies
In an upcoming auction, 51 rare memorabilia items from the legendary Raj Kapoor and ‘RK Films’ productions will be featured. The collection includes original black and white/color photographic stills, showcards, lobby cards, song synopsis bullets, half-sheet or full-sheet posters, extremely rare self-autographed portraits, and a metal plate.
These items span iconic films like ‘Dil Ki Rani’ (1947), ‘Aag’ (1948), ‘Barsaat,’ and ‘Andaz’ (1949), ‘Awara’ (1952), ‘Aah’ (1953), ‘Shree 420’ (1955), ‘Anari’ (1959), ‘Jis Desh Mein Ganga Bahati Hai’ (1960), and ‘Dil Hi To Hai’ (1963).
Among the treasures are exclusive photographic stills, posters, lobby cards, and promotional booklets from RK Films’ first color film ‘Sangam’ (1964), ‘Teesri Kasam’ (1966), and ‘Mera Naam Joker’ (1970). The collection also features a poster showcasing three generations of the Kapoor family and titles like ‘Kal, Aaj Aur Kal’ (1971).
Notable items include five rare photographs from the wedding of Randhir Kapoor and Babita Shivdasani (1971) and a silver-polished bronze plate with a gold coin commemorating RK Films’ silver jubilee celebrations (1972).
Continuing the journey through Bollywood history, the auction includes memorabilia from ‘Bobby’ (1973), ‘Do Jasoos’ (1975), ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’ (1978), ‘Prem Rog’ (1982), and ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’ (1985). The collection also showcases unseen photographs of Raj Kapoor with leading actresses like Nargis, Vyjayanthimala, Madhubala, and more.
This auction, organized by Derivatives & Ives in 2023, promises to be the grand finale of a popular series of Bollywood auctions, offering a unique glimpse into the life and cinematic legacy of Raj Kapoor.
Raj Kapoor Awards
Raj Kapoor, a celebrated figure in the film industry, earned numerous accolades during his illustrious career. He clinched 3 National Film Awards and an impressive tally of 11 Filmfare Awards, along with 21 nominations. Notably, his films Awaara and Boot Polish received nominations for the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
Time magazine recognized Kapoor’s outstanding performance in Awaara, ranking it among the “Top-Ten Performances of All Time in World Cinema.” Additionally, his film Jagte Raho secured the Crystal Globe award at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
In recognition of his cinematic excellence, the Government of India bestowed upon him the Padma Bhushan in 1971 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1987—the highest honors in Indian cinema.
Kapoor’s directorial prowess was acknowledged when he received the title of “Best Director of the Millennium” at the 2001 Stardust Awards. A year later, the Star Screen Awards honored him with the prestigious title of “Showman of the Millennium” in 2002.
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Raj Kapoor Birthday FAQs
Q.1. When is the online auction ‘Celebrating The Greatest Showman Raj Kapoor 100’ scheduled?
Ans. The auction is scheduled from December 14 to December 16, commemorating Raj Kapoor’s 100th birthday.
Q.2. What items are featured in the auction?
Ans. The auction includes 51 rare memorabilia items, such as photographic stills, posters, lobby cards, and more, spanning Raj Kapoor’s illustrious filmography.
Q.3. Where can I participate in the auction?
Ans. The online auction will be hosted by Derivatives & Ives, providing a platform to bid on exclusive pieces from Raj Kapoor’s cinematic journey.
Q.4. Are there any personal items from Raj Kapoor’s life included in the auction?
Ans. Yes, the collection features rare photographs from the wedding of Randhir Kapoor and Babita Shivdasani (1971) and a silver-polished bronze plate commemorating RK Films’ silver jubilee celebrations (1972).
Q.5. What films and eras are covered in the memorabilia collection?
Ans. The collection spans iconic films like ‘Awaara’ (1952), ‘Shree 420’ (1955), ‘Mera Naam Joker’ (1970), and more, offering a comprehensive journey through Bollywood history.
