Written by Amrita Jambhulkar
in the film Bobbya Romantic music since 1973 Love redefined in Indian cinema, the lovable son of a rich businessman (played by Rishi Kapoor) and the daughter of a poor Goan fisherman (played by Dimple Kapadia) meet in Rajbagh, just 30 km from Pune city. Of course, no one knew about this unless they were a special breed of cinephiles for whom the location is a pilgrimage.
Chosen for the scene because of its natural beauty and greenery, Rajbagh was indeed one of the homes of iconic director Raj Kapoor whose 100th birth anniversary is being celebrated this year. When Raj Kapoor lived in Mumbai, he used Rajbagh as a retreat, especially when he visited FTII in Pune or during shoots. Where the Kapoor cousins and friends from different generations get together once or twice every year to spend time with each other. They would hear stories about the family’s origins in Peshawar, Pakistan and the Kapoor Haveli where Prithviraj and Raj Kapoor were born. There were movies like Rajbagh love book and love sicknesswas shot.
Black and white photos of Raj Kapoor with family, friends and co-stars. (Express Photo)
Today, the sprawling campus houses the Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT), Loni, but a museum of sorts for Raj Kapoor. A reminder of the power of loveDreams and cinema. “Our aim with the memorial is to celebrate and realize the legacy of Raj Kapoor and the golden age of Bollywood. We want this museum not just a collection of memories,” says Chandrakant Borade. Public Relations Officer, MIT University of Art, Design and Technology.
The museum was inaugurated on May 16, 2014. Architecture includes seven. pagodaEach dedicated to a different aspect of Raj Kapoor’s films. Apparently, Darshan was not only a tribute to Raj Kapoor but also a behind-the-scenes demonstration of his film sets and film-making process.
Raj Kapoor Personal Life Pictures and Images. (Express Photo)
Upon entering the museum, there are life size statues of Raj Kapoor and his co-stars Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor and Nargis. One can find re-creation sets like legendary movies Awara, the country where the Ganges flows, and My name is Joker which transports visitors back in time. The iconic statue of the Joker from the movie, My name is Jokeris one of the attractions. “The concept of My name is Joker It happened in Raj Bagh. The subject of clowns was born from the discussions held under the cover,’ says Borade.
The museum has a sensor-activated audio-visual system that enhances the visitor experience. As you walk, you hear songs like ‘Jeena Ya Marna Hi’ and some of Raj Kapoor’s famous dialogues. You’ll be aware of walking in the same places as the creative giants. The Kapoor family has a sentimental attachment to Rajbaug, where Raj Kapoor will host script readings with his team. This personal touch gives authenticity and warmth to the museum. “Raj Kapoor, lyricist Hasrat Jaipuri and composer duo Shankar-Jaikishan will sing tunes and craft songs like ‘Hotan Pe Sachai Rahti Hai’ at Rajbagh Lawn in the evening,” says Borade.
In 2002, MIT bought the land from Raj Kapoor’s sons Rajiv, Randhir and Rishi. It is, now, the campus of MIT ADT University – and brims with the kind of creative energy that Raj Kapoor admires. The museum can be visited on Mondays and Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm. The entry fee is Rs 150 per person.
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