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Raj Kapoor’s Last Years: Insights from His Daughter
Raj Kapoor, a towering figure in Bollywood and celebrated as the industry’s biggest showman, passed away in June 1988, just a month after he was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award by President R. Venkataraman. His impact on Indian cinema is profound, marked not only by memorable performances but also by his contributions as a director. However, in a poignant reflection, his daughter Reema Jain has shed light on the emotional struggles he faced in the years leading to his death.
Reflections on a Great Legacy
In a 2014 interview, Reema shared that, despite the joy his films brought to many, her father was grappling with feelings of emptiness and solitude as he aged. This introspection reveals a side of the iconic filmmaker that contrasts sharply with his vibrant on-screen persona. She described how Raj Kapoor missed his peers who had passed away, often reminiscing about their collaborative days, which contributed to his sense of loss.
Loneliness and Nostalgia
Reema recalled that in Raj Kapoor’s twilight years, he frequently watched songs from his earlier films, reflecting a longing for the past. He would invite young actresses, such as Dimple Kapadia and Padmini Kolhapure, to observe the performances of his legendary heroines, like Nargis and Vyjayanthimala. “He’d say, ‘Look how she smiles. Look how she lifts her eyes, so delicately. They don’t make them like that anymore,’” she recounted, pointing to his nostalgia for the golden era of cinema and the friends who had departed.
Health Struggles
Raj Kapoor’s physical health had been declining. Reema noted that years of neglect led to him suffering from broncho-asthma, which considerably limited his mobility and comfort. Despite this, his indomitable spirit shone through as he expressed a desire to conquer mountains and showcase the youthfulness of his mind, even as his body betrayed him.
A Premonition of Death
Reema further elaborated on her father’s passing, attributing a sense of premonition to his demise. Preparing for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award ceremony on May 2, 1988, he traveled from Mumbai but was met with a dust storm upon landing in Delhi. The dust exacerbated his asthma, yet he participated in the ceremony using an oxygen cylinder, visibly struggling for breath. During the event, he conveyed his discomfort through a tight grip on his wife’s hand, highlighting the moments of anxiety he experienced.
As the situation escalated, President Venkataraman personally attended to him, even as he was unable to rise to accept the award. Following the ceremony, he was taken to the hospital but passed away on June 2, after a particularly challenging week filled with irritability and silent communication. “In a way, we were relieved when he passed away because he was suffering a lot,” Reema candidly shared.
A Celebration of Legacy
This past weekend, Reema, alongside family members like Neetu Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor, commemorated her father’s legacy in honor of what would have been his 100th birthday. They organized a Raj Kapoor Film Festival, celebrating his indelible mark on Indian cinema and ensuring that his memory and contributions continue to resonate in the hearts of many.
Source
www.news18.com