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

Mumbai, Dec 11 (NationPress) The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, held a meeting with the Kapoor family to commemorate the approaching centenary of the iconic filmmaker and actor Raj Kapoor. He recognized Raj Kapoor as a pioneering artist who was remarkably ahead of his era.

In an exclusive clip from IANS, PM Modi is seen discussing Raj Kapoor with the family, highlighting how he positioned India as a 'soft power' long before the term was even introduced, sharing his narratives with audiences worldwide.

He remarked, "In 1947, we had ‘Neel Kamal’, and as we near 2047, approaching a century of this journey, it signifies the tremendous input from such a vast nation. Today, in diplomatic circles, there is considerable dialogue regarding soft power.

Although the phrase ‘soft power’ was yet to be coined, Raj Kapoor had already laid the groundwork for India’s influence in this area on a global scale.” December 14, 2024, will mark the centenary of Raj Kapoor, celebrated as one of the most significant cinematic icons of India. He was born in Peshawar (now in Pakistan) and was the eldest child of actor Prithviraj Kapoor.

Raj Kapoor starred in and produced numerous films, earning multiple accolades, including three National Film Awards. His films ‘Awaara’ and ‘Boot Polish’ were nominated for the 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. In 1988, he received India’s highest honor in cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, from the Government of India.

Earlier, the International Film Festival of India, organized in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation of India (under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) and the Goa state government, recognized Raj Kapoor on his centenary, inviting Ranbir to speak and share stories about his grandfather.