The Showman at Home: Raj Kapoor’s Legacy as a Loving Grandfather

December 14, 2024 marks the birth centenary of Raj Kapoor, a name that is synonymous with the golden era of Indian cinema. Known as the “Showman of Hindi Cinema,” Kapoor’s legacy transcends his classics like Awara, Barsaat, Shree 420, Mera Naam Joker, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, and Ram Teri Ganga Maili. He was, of course, much more than this cinematic icon to his grandchildren. He was their doting grandfather, with twinkling blue eyes and a heart full of love.

The Sweet Side of a Legend: Raj Kapoor’s Cherished Bond with His Grandkids

Actor Ranbir Kapoor and his sister, jewellery designer Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, remember Raj Kapoor as a larger-than-life figure in their childhood. While his public persona was that of a celebrated filmmaker and actor, within the confines of their family, he was simply “Dadaji.”

Riddhima’s memories, though hazy as she was only seven when Kapoor passed away, are deeply cherished. “We used to barge into his room and raid his fridge because it was filled with chocolates and other goodies for us. We knew exactly what was kept there, and he wouldn’t say anything to us,” she shared in an interview.

Ranbir’s memory is equally as heartwarming. “When we would go to his house, he’d take us to his room where he hid caramel toffees. He’d line us up—Kareena, Karisma, Riddhima, and me—and make us do a ‘salaam’, sing Awara Hoon, and give him a kiss on his cheek in return for toffees,” he said. The practice was a testament to Kapoor’s playful and affectionate nature.

Also read: Radhika Apte’s Double Role: A Mother and an Actress Breaking Stereotypes

Raj Kapoor Family Bond: The Story Behind Their Iconic Blue Eyes

One physical trait of Raj Kapoor that stands out vividly in the memories of his grandchildren is his striking blue eyes. Karisma Kapoor, often considered his favorite grandchild, shares a special connection with him through their matching eye color. “Karisma was his favorite because her eye color matched Dadaji’s, and she was the first grandchild. He was very excited about her,” revealed Kareena Kapoor Khan on a television show.

The family’s unique genetic legacy continued with the next generation. Karisma said, “After me, Taimur and Raha also have the same eye color as Dadaji (Raj Kapoor eyes).”

Raj Kapoor Grandchildren: Discovering the Legacy of a Cinematic Icon

For the Raj Kapoor grandchildren, He was just their loving grandfather at first. “We did not even realize he was a superstar,” Riddhima confessed. “We were too young to understand his larger-than-life persona.”

They did realize the monumental impact their grandfather had on Indian cinema much later, when they had grown up. Ranbir Kapoor, who followed in Kapoor’s footsteps as an actor, said, “I got to know him more after I started understanding movies and what his contribution was.”

Grandfather Goals: Raja Saab Style

Raja Saab’s famous bungalow, Deonar Cottage in Chembur, was the kids’ happy playground. The weekend spent there was always so warm, fun-filled, and indulgent. He would recall trips to his favorite Udipi restaurant in Matunga for dosas and idlis, or to a club in Vashi called Big Splash, with water slides.

The grandchildren also remember Kapoor well for his culinary skills. “He was an amazing chef and would cook for us. Whenever he traveled abroad, he’d bring me a tiara and a suit for Ranbir,” Riddhima shared.

A Protective and Indulgent Grandfather

Raj Kapoor’s affection for his grandchildren often extended to siding with them during familial conflicts. Ranbir humorously recounted how he leveraged his position as the first grandson to get out of trouble. “When my mom shouted at me, I’d call him up, and he’d call her to scold her instead,” he said.

Riddhima shared a similar story. “Each time our mom corrected us, we’d call Dadaji. He’d immediately call her and say, ‘Please don’t do this. Let them do what they want.’ He truly spoiled us,” she said with a laugh.

The Day the World Stood Still

The passing of the legend, Raj Kapoor in 1988, came as a momentous shock not only to the Kapoor family but to the nation too. Ranbir, just six years old then recalls, “I have never seen so many people in my life. It was then that I realized how important he was to so many.” Cherished Film Favorites

The Kapoor grandchildren have a special place in their hearts for the films of their grandfather. Ranbir is especially fond of Shree 420 and Jagte Raho. “I love the story of a vagabond in Shree 420, someone who’s hopeful and learns to deal with fame,” he shared.

She enjoys watching Sangam, Awara, and Shree 420. She has also developed a soft corner for Mera Naam Joker, which she recently saw with her daughter Samara. “I told her, ‘You have to see your great-grandfather.’ It brought back so many memories,” she said.

Karisma's Path Breaking Journey

Breaking family tradition, Karisma Kapoor became the first Kapoor woman to enter films. In an earlier interview, she shared how Raj Kapoor was supportive of her decision but warned her about the difficulties. “He told me, ‘Lolo baby, if you become an actor, be the best, otherwise don’t do it.'”

The Greatest Showman's Lasting Legacy

The influence of Raj Kapoor on Indian cinema is something that can never be compared. Sunil Khilnani, a historian, described him as a filmmaker who brought “romance, sexuality, song, and soul to Indian socialism.” Most of his films reflected the aspirations and struggles of newly independent India, making them timeless classics.

For the occasion, retrospectives of his films are to be screened across 40 Indian cities. Kapoor’s career—a seamless blend of high artistic ambition and mass appeal—is a source of inspiration both to film-makers and audiences alike.

Shrishti Nath Kapoor to 'The Showman

Born to actors Prithviraj Kapoor and Ramsarni Kapoor, Shrishti Nath Kapoor was destined for stardom as Raj Kapoor. His path to stardom was marked by determination and talent. He began his career as a child actor in Inquilab (1935) and went on to work as an art director and assistant filmmaker before breaking into stardom with Neel Kamal (1947).

In 1948, Kapoor established RK Films, the studio that would become the epitome of cinematic greatness. As a director, he made his debut with Aag (1948) and made some of the greatest films ever made, such as Barsaat, Awaara, Shree 420, and Sangam. His later films included Mera Naam Joker, Bobby, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, and Ram Teri Ganga Maili, making him a legend.