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Qatar Tribune
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
ICC Wednesday Fiesta pays grand tribute to ‘showman' Raj Kapoor on his birth centenary
Tribune News Network Doha The Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), functioning under the aegis of the Embassy of India, continued its weekly cultural celebration — the ICC Wednesday Fiesta — with a grand tribute to the showman of Indian cinema, Raj Kapoor, on his birth centenary. The event, titled 'Raj Kapoor 100', was held at the iconic ICC Ashoka Hall and brought together the Indian diaspora in Qatar for a nostalgic evening of music, dance, and cinematic memories. This week's edition of the Wednesday Fiesta was particularly special as it celebrated 100 years of the legendary actor, filmmaker, and producer Raj Kapoor, whose impact on Indian cinema has been both profound and enduring. Known for classics such as Awaara, Shree 420, and Mera Naam Joker, Kapoor was not just a cinematic icon in India but also deeply admired across the globe. The evening began with a warm welcome by ICC's Past General Secretary Krishna Kumar, who set the tone by highlighting the importance of remembering cultural stalwarts who have shaped India's global identity through the arts. He underscored the ICC's commitment to nurturing Indian culture in Qatar and its role in uniting the community through such engaging events. AP Manikantan, president of ICC, delivered the presidential address and expressed his appreciation for the artists and associated organisations who collaborated to bring the evening to life. 'Raj Kapoor was a master storyteller and a bridge between generations. Honouring his legacy through the language of performing arts is our humble tribute to Indian cinema,' he remarked. The event featured a series of vibrant and diverse cultural performances inspired by Raj Kapoor's life and movies, presented by various ICC Associate Organisations (AOs) and Arts Centres in Qatar. From iconic songs to recreated dance sequences from his films, the stage at Ashoka Hall was alive with colours, melodies, and emotions. Local talents paid homage to the cinematic legend with elaborate renditions of evergreen hits, leaving the audience awash innostalgia. The performances reflected the multicultural essence of Indian arts and the enduring legacy of Bollywood in shaping cultural narratives across generations. Special visual presentations and a retrospective segment showcasing Raj Kapoor's cinematic journey further enhanced the thematic depth of the programme. Prominent dignitaries, community leaders, and members of the Indian diaspora graced the occasion. Among them were ICC Advisory Council Chairman PN Babu Rajan, ICC General Secretary Abraham K Joseph, and other members of the ICC managing committee. The presidents of other ICC associate organizations and senior community representatives also attended, lending their support to the celebration. In his closing remarks, ICC Vice President Shantanu Deshpande delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of all the performers, organizers, and volunteers who made the evening a resounding success. He extended special gratitude to the Embassy of India for its unwavering support and encouragement in promoting Indian culture abroad. The 'Raj Kapoor 100' edition of ICC Wednesday Fiesta not only celebrated the genius of an iconic artist but also underscored the enduring influence of Indian cinema in fostering unity, nostalgia, and pride among the Indian diaspora. The ICC continues its mission of cultural diplomacy by providing a vibrant platform for the expression of India's artistic richness every Wednesday, with the promise of many more such unforgettable evenings.
Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Karan Johar turns 53: Awaara, Sholay, Lamhe, Masoom, Lagaan and 5 other favourite movies of the celebrated filmmaker
Karan Johar turns 53 today on May 25. The filmmaker has helmed seven movies and produced dozens of them in the 27 years since his 1998 blockbuster directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Let's take a look at Karan Johar's 10 favourite films, as shared with Lehren back in 2007. Awaara (1951) Karan Johar picked Raj Kapoor and Yash Chopra as the two major influences on his filmography. He hailed Awaara as the best screenplay ever written in the history of Hindi cinema, and lauded the romance of Raj Kapoor and Nargis' characters. Sholay (1975) Johar shared Ramesh Sippy's 1975 blockbuster potboiler is a textbook more than a film. He said the screenplay by Salim-Javed still seems so fresh that many of the film's scenes come across as contemporary even today. Kabhi Kabhie (1976) Karan Johar revealed that the nuances in the romance and interpersonal relationships that Yash Chopra attempted in the Amitabh Bachchan and Rakhee-starrer is what inspired his 2006 film Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. Masoom (1984) Johar recalled weeping throughout the screening of Shekhar Kapur's directorial debut to an extent that his mother Hiroo Johar had to escort him out of the theatre. Lamhe (1991) Karan Johar shared that though Yash Chopra's age-gap romance didn't click with the audience then, both him and Chopra considered the Sridevi and Anil Kapoor-starrer as the late legendary filmmaker's lesser loved baby. Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994) Karan Johar recalled how he was in two minds about becoming a director when Aditya Chopra invited him to a special screening of the extended version of Sooraj Barjatya's sophomore feature. Johar was blown away by the director's conviction in the musical romance. Satya (1998) Johar admitted while he and Ram Gopal Varma don't always get along, that doesn't stop the former from appreciating the latter's seminal gangster film. The filmmaker called Manoj Bajpayee's performance as Bhiku Mhatre his career's best. Lagaan (2001) Karan Johar was confident no film would be able to challenge the supremacy of his mega-budget family drama Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, until he watched Ashutosh Gowariker's period sports drama, which changed the rules of Hindi cinema. Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) Johar thinks of Rajkumar Hirani's cult comedy as a hark back to the cinema of Hrishikesh Mukherjee, which effortlessly blended family-friendly entertainment with important social messaging. He also lauded the Sanjay Dutt-starrer for redefining Mahatma Gandhi to an entire generation. Also Read: Karan Johar's Dhadak 2 cleared with U/A certificate by CBFC after 16 cuts related to caste-based references, slurs, and violence Chak De! India (2007) Karan Johar claimed that Shah Rukh Khan's performance as the girls hockey team coach Kabir Khan is his best. He also lauded the film's writer Jaideep Sahni for incorporating themes like women empowerment and national unity in Shimit Amin's sports drama.
News18
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Karisma's Childhood Dance With Grandpa Raj Kapoor Wins The Internet, Kareena Calls It ‘Just Love'
On International Dance Day, Karisma Kapoor shared a heartfelt photo dancing with her grandfather Raj Kapoor, winning hearts online. On International Dance Day, Karisma Kapoor took a walk down memory lane and paid tribute to her very first dance partner, her grandfather, the legendary Raj Kapoor. The actress shared a precious black-and-white childhood photo with him that instantly won hearts across the internet. In the picture, a young Karisma is seen twirling on a dance floor with Raj Kapoor, who is all smiles as he holds her hands. Dressed in a skirt and top, with short hair framing her face, little Karisma radiates joy as she dances with the man fondly known as the 'showman of Bollywood.' Sharing the picture on Instagram, Karisma wrote, 'On the occasion of International Dance Day sharing my first official Dance. Couldn't have asked for a better dance partner." The post struck a nostalgic chord with fans and members of the film industry alike. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karisma Kapoor (@therealkarismakapoor) Kareena Kapoor Khan also couldn't resist the emotional pull of the picture. She reshared Karisma's post on her Instagram story with the caption, 'This is just love." The post quickly caught the attention of other celebrities as well. Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and Sanjay Kapoor reacted with heart emojis, while Sophie Choudry commented, 'What an amazing pic (heart emoji)." Fans also chimed in, calling the image 'priceless" and 'a moment to treasure forever." Raj Kapoor, who passed away in 1988, remains one of Indian cinema's most iconic figures. Known for classics like Awaara, Barsaat, Anari, and Sangam, he also left an indelible mark as a filmmaker with acclaimed directorial works such as Mera Naam Joker, Bobby, and Ram Teri Ganga Maili. Karisma, who ruled the box office in the '90s with hits like Raja Hindustani, Biwi No.1, and Dil To Pagal Hai, continues to keep her family legacy alive in the most endearing ways. First Published:
