Grandson releases book on Raj Kapoor

NEW DELHI: It was an emotional moment for the First Family of Bollywood. Raj Kapoor’s young grandson Ranbir Kapoor, whose debut film “Saawariya” hits the theatres next month, released a book on the legendary filmmaker here on Tuesday. The book in Hindi has been penned by the gifted filmmaker’s daughter Ritu Nanda. Speaking on the occasion, Ranbir said it was an honour and a humbling experience for him to release the book titled “Raj Kapoor”: “On many occasions I have been asked how it feels to be born into the Kapoor family. Well, I don’t have readymade answers but The Showman continues to be omnipresent.

The book written by Ritu Bua will give me an insight into his life and the magic of cinema he left behind for posterity.” Ranbir said the Kapoor “khandaan” was the only family in the world of cinema where four successive generations have been associated with the film industry and who have dedicated their lives successfully to entertaining people. Stating that everyone in his family was inspired by his father, Rishi Kapoor said Raj Kapoor’s contribution towards the film industry was immense. “Ritu has done all of us proud by putting together his life as seen from close quarters. There are a lot of unknown facets about him which this book will bring into light. All of us have gathered today to show solidarity for her efforts.” Earlier in the day, Rishi accompanied by his son Ranbir and sister Ritu went to Rashtrapati Bhavan to present a commemorative copy of the book to President Pratibha Patil. “The President showered her blessings on Ranbir and it was a proud moment for all of us. I am sure that the film-loving public will continue to love and bless Ranbir just as they did my grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor, father Raj Kapoor, and other members of our family,” said Rishi. The book gives a comprehensive account of Raj Kapoor’s life as a person and as a filmmaker, his relationship with his children, his passion for movie-making and his much talked about films.

Source: Hindu