Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently hosted members of the iconic Kapoor family at a special meeting, marking a significant moment in the lead-up to the Raj Kapoor 100 Film Festival. The family, a constellation of Bollywood stars including Ranbir Kapoor, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, Neetu Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, and Saif Ali Khan, visited the Prime Minister on Tuesday to personally invite him to the upcoming festival. This cinematic tribute will commemorate the centennial birth anniversary of Raj Kapoor, one of Indian cinema’s most beloved and influential figures, on December 14th, 2024.
The meeting was clearly a memorable one for the Kapoor family. Ranbir Kapoor expressed his gratitude, stating, “This is a special day for us. We enjoyed the conversation. We also asked him many personal questions. He spoke to us in a friendly manner. He made all of us feel very comfortable. We are grateful to him.” Kareena Kapoor Khan, sharing her personal excitement, revealed that meeting Prime Minister Modi had been a long-held dream. She lauded his positive energy, describing him as “truly a global leader.”
Alia Bhatt also shared insights into their discussion with the Prime Minister, revealing that he offered valuable suggestions and ideas on how to best preserve and celebrate Raj Kapoor’s enduring legacy. “It is a very proud moment for us,” she added. Karisma Kapoor echoed the sentiments of her family, emphasizing the respect shown by the Prime Minister. She expressed her overwhelming emotion, stating, “I am very overwhelmed. This is a very memorable day in our lives. So thank you Modi ji for giving us this opportunity to spend time with you…”
The Raj Kapoor 100 Film Festival promises to be a grand celebration of Raj Kapoor’s prolific career. Spanning December 13th to 15th, 2024, the festival will showcase ten of his most iconic films across 40 cities and 135 cinemas nationwide. Kareena Kapoor Khan enthusiastically announced the event’s scale and scope, stating, “We are proud to showcase his iconic films and remember the impact he had on Indian cinema with the ‘Raj Kapoor 100 Film Festival’. Dec 13-15, 2024 | 10 films | 40 cities | 135 cinemas. #100YearsOfRajKapoor.” The festival is a testament to the lasting impact of Raj Kapoor, whose films like “Aag,” “Awara,” “Barsaat,” “Shree 420,” and “Bobby” remain classics, captivating audiences across generations.
The meeting between the Kapoor family and Prime Minister Modi underscores the cultural significance of Raj Kapoor’s contribution to Indian cinema and highlights the anticipation surrounding the upcoming centennial celebration. It promises to be a major event, bringing together cinephiles and celebrating the life and work of a true cinematic legend.
