PM Modi Celebrates Raj Kapoor's Legacy of 'Soft Power' During Kapoor Family Meeting

Mumbai, Dec 11 (NationPress) The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, recently had a meeting with the Kapoor family in honor of the approaching centenary of the legendary filmmaker and actor Raj Kapoor. During this meeting, he praised Raj Kapoor as a visionary artist.

In exclusive footage shared by IANS, PM Modi was seen conversing with the Kapoor family about the significant impact of Raj Kapoor. He highlighted how Raj Kapoor was remarkably ahead of his era, establishing India as a 'soft power' long before the term was even introduced, captivating audiences globally with his narratives.

He remarked, “In 1947, we had ‘Neel Kamal’, and now as we near 2047, marking a century of achievements, it signifies the vast contributions of our great nation. Today, in the realm of diplomacy, discussions about soft power are prevalent.

Although the concept of ‘soft power’ was not yet defined, Raj Kapoor had already showcased India’s prowess in this aspect on a global scale.” December 14, 2024, will mark the centenary of Raj Kapoor, who is celebrated as one of the most influential figures in Indian cinema. Born in Peshawar (now in Pakistan), he was the eldest son of renowned actor Prithviraj Kapoor.

Raj Kapoor was not only a talented actor but also a producer of numerous films, earning several accolades, including three National Film Awards. His notable films, ‘Awaara’ and ‘Boot Polish’, were contenders for the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1951 and 1955, respectively.

In recognition of his contributions to the arts, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan in 1971. Additionally, he received India’s highest cinematic honor, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, in 1988.

Moreover, the International Film Festival of India, co-hosted by the National Film Development Corporation of India (under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) and the state government of Goa, honored Raj Kapoor on his centenary and invited Ranbir to share stories about his grandfather.