Raj Kapoor’s relationship with the capital remains an enduring part of his legacy, etched in the memories of cinema halls and the city’s cultural fabric
As fans gear up to celebrate the birth centenary of Bollywood’s legendary showman Raj Kapoor on December 14th, it is essential to remember his deep-rooted connection with Delhi—a city that was almost like a second home to him. Kapoor’s association with Delhi was profound, and this bond will be celebrated in a grand event in the capital on his birth anniversary.
Raj Kapoor’s final days were also tied to Delhi, where he passed away on June 2, 1988. Just a month before his death, on May 2nd, 1988, he was honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award by then President R. Venkataraman at the Siri Fort auditorium. Unfortunately, his health deteriorated shortly after the ceremony, leading to severe breathing difficulties. He was admitted to AIIMS, where doctors, led by Dr. J.N. Pandey, tried their best to save him, but his condition did not improve, and he passed away due to complications from asthma. Delhi, the city that played such a significant role in his life, also became the place of his final farewell.
Kapoor had a special affinity for Delhi’s iconic cinema halls, particularly Regal and Moti, where he preferred his films to be premiered. Regal, one of New Delhi’s first cinema halls, held a special place in his heart. It was here that some of his most celebrated films, including “Sangam,” “Mera Naam Joker,” “Satyam Shivam Sundaram,” “Boot Polish,” and “Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai,” were released.