Raj Kapoor’s Birth Anniversary: Heroines that the Showman romanced onscreen

Raj Kapoor - a man who changed the way cinema should be perceived. He started his career behind the camera, but soon the game changed for the Kapoor lad. He became one of the cult actors of the Hindi Film Industry and has left behind a legacy of his own. December 14 marks his 94th birth anniversary. Raj Kapoor was called as a Showman and his love for the leading ladies was explored on the screen. He was also one of the pioneers in the cinema space who made his heroines look bolder on the 70 mm screen. On his 94th anniversary, we take a look at Raj Kapoor’s heroines. 

Nargis Dutt 

Raj Kapoor and Nargis worked in 16 films together, including Awaara and Shree 420. Their chemistry on screen was sizzling and soon they became one of the hit pairs. Nargis set the screen on fire whenever she was teamed with the Showman. His closeness with Nargis has also been mentioned by son Rishi Kapoor in his autobiography Khullam Khulla. Their romance did create a stir, despite Raj Kapoor being a married man. He would not leave his family for her, and hence, they parted ways.

Vyjayanthimala

Raj Kapoor and Vyjayanthimala featured in only two films, Nazrana and Sangam, but their onscreen chemistry was a big highlight. Remember the song Bol Radha Bol from Sangam where Raj Kapoor steals her clothes and teases her, it went on to become one of the cult scenes. The film won three Filmfare Awards, including the awards for Best Actress and Best Director. Shedding light on Raj and Vyjayanthimala’s affair, Rishi Kapoor wrote, “I remember moving into the Natraj Hotel on Marine Drive with my mom during the time Papa was involved with Vyjayanthimala. From the hotel, we shifted for two months into an apartment in Chitrakoot. My father had bought the apartment for mom and us. He did all he could to woo her back, but my mother wouldn’t give in until he had ended that chapter of his life.”

Madhubala

Madhubala - people, back then and now, call her the epitome of beauty. Raj Kapoor starred opposite Madhubala in Neel Kamal (1947) and gave her a platform to show her acting skills. The duo also worked in Dil Ki Rani (1947), Amar Prem (1948) and Do Ustad (1959). Their songs were always a hit among the movie buffs and still are very popular. 

Simi Grewal

Simi Grewal was seen in Raj Kapoor’s Mera Naam Joker and she took the hotness quotient to the next level when she flaunted herself in the movie. It was one of the bold steps in terms of showing a leading heroine in a bikini. Raj Kapoor’s movie Mera Naam Joker failed miserably back then, but the film is considered as a magnificent piece of art. 

Nimmi 

Raj Kapoor launched Nimmi in Barsaat, and they had a sizzling onscreen chemistry. Raj Kapoor was surely the greatest showman as he picturized the songs Patli Kamar Hai and Barsaat Hum Mile from the film on her. 

On his birth anniversary, we wish that our film industry always respects the body of work that Raj Kapoor has done.