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Raj
Kapoor, son of Prithviraj Kapoor, the most famous theatre personality of
India of his time, has been hailed as a great genius of the film industry
of India. He learnt his craft on the floors of film studios, and directed
his first film "Aag" "The Fire" when he was barely 23!
Through his trilogy, "Aawara", "Shree 420" and "Jagte
Raho" he exposed the seamy side: injustice, malpractices and
unfairness prevailing in the society. But he also conveyed hope of better
days through the character "Raju" which he portrayed so movingly
in his early films.
Raj
Kapoor's films always carried a social message which was accompanied by
lilting music, catchy tunes, hummable songs and natural performances. His
film "Aawara" became a household name in Russia, Ukraine,
Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, China, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland and the
Middle East when it was released in the mid 50s. His "Jagte Raho"
was awarded the Grand Prix at the Karlovy Vary film festival in 1958.
Raj
Kapoor was more than a director and an actor. He was an institution! He
brought together a group of highly talented
script writers, song writers, musicians, photographer, technician
and others. He and Nargis, who featured with him in many films, are still
considered the most romantic and successful film pair of the Bollywood of
all times.
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In his film "Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai" he
underlined the need of bringing the dreaded dacoits back into the
society by persuading them to lay down arms. "Mera Naam
Joker" is a touching story of the trials and tribulations of
a joker who strives to make others laugh all the time, even when
he is going through some of the saddest and most painful personal
experiences. |
"Bobby" was an infectious, tender love story which caught
the imagination of the Indian teenagers in mid 70's and catapulted Rishi
Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia into stardom and made them a national craze.
Raj
Kapoor's films are remembered for socially relevant themes, brilliant
performances, specially by the female artists, an inimitable style of film
direction which brings out
various shades of emotions and sentiments of his characters leaving an
imprint on the minds of the filmgoers which linger on for days. He is also
considered the greatest showman India has produced.
Sometimes,
branded as the "Charlie Chaplin of India", his character Raju
portrays tragi-comedy of the life of the man on the street who does not
lose hope and optimism in spite of all odds. The famous song of the film
"Aawara" "Gardish main bhi asman ka tara hun - Aawara hun"
"while it's dark all around - I am the shining star in the sky - I am
the vagabond!" - has been translated into 16 languages.
Through
his technicolor films: “Sangam”,
“Bobby” and “Ram Teri Ganga Maili” were blockbusters, he will
always be remembered for his trilogy of “Aawara”, “Shree 420” and
“Jagte Raho” which reflected the hopes and aspirations of newly
independent India.
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Schedule:
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Title
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Screening
Dates
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The
Vagabond(Aawara) 1951,
Raj Kapoor, 193 min.
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Friday,
August 18, 7.45 pm
Thursday, August 24, 7.00 pm
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Rain(Barsaat)
1949,
Raj Kapoor, 171 min
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Saturday,
August 19, 2.00 pm
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Mr.
420 (Shree 420)
1955,
Raj Kapoor, 169 min
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Sunday,
August 20, 1.00 pm
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Stay
Awake! (Jagte Raho) 1957,
Shambhu Mitra and Amit Mitra, ca.
180 min
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Friday,
August 25, 8.00 pm
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My
Name is Joker
(Mera Naam Joker)1970,
Raj Kapoor, India, 250 min.
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Saturday,
August 26, 1.00 pm
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Bobby
1973, Raj Kapoor, India,
168 min
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Saturday,
August 27, 1.00 pm
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The
country where the river Ganges Flows
(Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai) 1960, Radhu Karmakar, India, 167
min.
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Thursday,
August 31, 7.00 pm
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The
Retrospective is sponsored by: Gene Siskel Film Center, Consulate General
of India, Polo Builders, Air India, Directorate of Film Festivals, X.P.
Div., MEA, N. Delhi.
The Gene
Siskel Film Center is located at 280 South Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL
Tickets can be
purchased at the Box
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