Amitabh Bachchan Reflects on Raj Kapoor's Unmatched Vision in 'Awaara'
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Mumbai, Dec 13 (NationPress) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has fondly recalled Raj Kapoor and discussed his extraordinary showmanship, noting that the manner in which the late visionary conceived the dream sequence in 'Awaara' was unprecedented.
The cinematic legend shared his thoughts on his blog, commemorating 100 years of Raj Kapoor.
He expressed: “As part of our dedication to resurrecting classic cinema for audiences, I am thrilled that Film Heritage Foundation has collaborated with R.K. Films for 'Raj Kapoor 100 - Celebrating the Centenary of the Greatest Showman' - an extensive presentation of 10 key Raj Kapoor films across 40 cities and 135 theaters nationwide, ensuring his legacy endures and providing viewers throughout India the chance to experience the works of an artist dedicated to cinema, whose films resonated with the everyday person.”
He then reflected on Raj Kapoor’s 1951 masterpiece 'Awaara', which features Raj Kapoor alongside his real-life father Prithviraj Kapoor, as well as Nargis, Leela Chitnis, and K. N. Singh.
Other Kapoor family members also appear, including Raj Kapoor's youngest brother Shashi Kapoor, portraying the younger version of his character, and Prithiviraj's father Dewan Basheshwarnath Kapoor, who makes a cameo in his only film role.
The film delves into socialist themes and merges elements of social reform with genres such as crime, romantic comedy, and musical melodrama.
“Even today, 'Awaara' is a film that remains vivid in my memory. When discussing Rajji’s remarkable showmanship, the way he envisioned the dream sequence in the film was unlike anything seen before,” he wrote.
The celebrated actor added: “You are captivated by his fantastical creativity that brought to life a dreamlike scenario, with the enchanting Nargisji emerging from dense clouds of smoke, Rajji encircled by malevolent figures and flames – there is profound, mystical symbolism in the dream sequence, which is my favorite aspect.”
Reflecting on 'Awaara', acknowledged as a landmark in Bollywood history, the narrative intertwines the lives of a destitute thief named Raj, the affluent Rita, and Judge Raghunath, who is oblivious to the fact that Raj is his son. In this film, Raj Kapoor’s impoverished 'little tramp' character pays homage to Charlie Chaplin and was further explored in subsequent films like Shree 420.
