Ranbir Kapoor announces Raj Kapoor Film Festival at IFFI 2024

Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor revealed exciting news at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Panaji on Sunday. He announced that a special film festival would be held to honor his grandfather, the legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor, in celebration of his 100th birth anniversary. The festival will showcase restored versions of ten of Raj Kapoor’s most iconic films, and it will take place across India from December 13 to December 15.

Celebrating Raj Kapoor’s legacy

Ranbir, during his conversation with filmmaker Rahul Rawail at IFFI, expressed his excitement about the upcoming festival. He shared that the National Film Development Corporation of India, the National Film Archives of India, the Film Heritage Foundation, and his uncle Kunal Kapoor had worked together to restore these films. The effort to restore these timeless classics aims to keep Raj Kapoor's legacy alive and introduce his work to new generations.

"These restored versions will allow audiences to experience Raj Kapoor's films in their true form," Ranbir said, adding that he was thrilled to be part of this celebration. He encouraged the packed auditorium at the Kala Academy to attend the festival and enjoy these timeless classics.

The Raj Kapoor Film Festival is set to be a grand event, offering movie lovers an opportunity to witness the charm and brilliance of Raj Kapoor's films. The actor expressed how important it is for younger generations to connect with their roots and remember the legends who shaped the film industry. He recalled a conversation with his wife, actress Alia Bhatt, who once asked him, "Who's Kishore Kumar?" This made Ranbir realize how quickly people can be forgotten and emphasized the importance of remembering the past.

In addition to the film festival, Ranbir also spoke about his long-time dream of making a biopic on Raj Kapoor. He shared that he had discussed this idea with several people, including his "godfather" and filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. However, he acknowledged the difficulty of such a project. A biopic, he said, cannot just highlight the success of a person’s life; it must also depict the struggles, lows, and personal dynamics honestly. He pointed out that making a biopic on Raj Kapoor would be challenging, as there are many aspects of his life that his family might not agree to reveal.

Despite the challenges, Ranbir is passionate about the idea and believes it would make for a great film. He reflected on the impact Raj Kapoor's work had on Indian cinema and the emotional connection people still feel with his films. Ranbir's admiration for his grandfather's work is evident in his desire to bring his legacy to the screen.

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Ranbir Kapoor’s personal connection to Raj Kapoor’s music

As part of the celebration of his grandfather's centenary, Ranbir shared a personal anecdote. He revealed that the first Raj Kapoor song he played for his two-year-old daughter, Raha, was "Kisi Ki Muskurahaton Pe Ho Nisaar" from the 1959 film Anari. This beautiful song, sung by the legendary Kishore Kumar, is one of Raj Kapoor's many timeless musical creations. Ranbir expressed how special it was to introduce his daughter to Raj Kapoor’s music and the emotional connection it created for him.

Ranbir’s admiration for his grandfather goes beyond just his filmmaking. Raj Kapoor’s songs and his larger-than-life persona have had a lasting impact on Ranbir's life and career. It’s clear that Ranbir has a deep respect for the legacy his grandfather left behind and is committed to preserving it for future generations.

Apart from the Raj Kapoor Film Festival and the potential biopic, Ranbir also talked about his future collaborations. He is excited about working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali again in the upcoming project Love & War. Bhansali had given Ranbir his first break in Bollywood with the film Saawariya in 2007. Ranbir expressed how excited he was to reunite with Bhansali after 17 years, highlighting how the director’s dedication to his craft remains unchanged. He spoke about his respect for Bhansali, who continues to focus on creating great films without letting success distract him.

Ranbir's passion for filmmaking and his reverence for the artists who shaped his career and the industry are clear in his words. He continues to be inspired by the greats like Raj Kapoor and Bhansali, and this excitement is what keeps him motivated to create meaningful work in the industry.

A tribute to Raj Kapoor

The announcement of the Raj Kapoor Film Festival is a fitting tribute to one of the most influential filmmakers in Indian cinema. Raj Kapoor’s films have shaped the industry and continue to inspire filmmakers and actors today. Through this festival, Ranbir Kapoor is ensuring that his grandfather’s legacy remains a significant part of Indian cinematic history. By restoring these films and bringing them to a new audience, he is allowing future generations to experience the magic of Raj Kapoor’s storytelling and artistry.

Ranbir's commitment to honoring Raj Kapoor’s memory through such projects is a beautiful gesture, not just as a grandson but as a passionate actor who deeply understands the value of preserving cinematic history. His announcement at IFFI 2024 is a reminder of the importance of remembering and celebrating our cinematic roots.

As the festival draws near, movie lovers across India are eagerly awaiting the chance to watch the restored versions of Raj Kapoor's masterpieces. The Raj Kapoor Film Festival promises to be a wonderful celebration of one of India’s greatest filmmakers, and it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on all who attend.