Remembering Raj Kapoor- The Showman And His 7 Iconic Heroines
Raj Kapoor is the original 'Show Man' of the Indian film industry. Born as Ranbir Raj Kapoor, in Peshawar on December 14, 1924, he is inarguably one of India’s most loved stars. As a director, he redefined Indian cinema through his path-breaking movies and characters. Known for his brilliant and sensuous portrayal of women, he gave us some of the most memorable beauties on celluloid. On his 92nd birth anniversary, let us take a look at his heroines who set the screen on fire.
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#1. Nargis
Nargis was Raj Kapoor’s first heroine, and certainly the most iconic of all his leading ladies. Raj Kapoor directed Nargis in many films. After meeting her for the first time, he said that Nargis was a 'fairy' (this line was later used in his movie, Bobby). If Raj Kapoor loved Nargis, his camera absolutely adored her. He often presented Nargis in a white sari in his movies, an epitome of beauty and purity.
Image Courtesy: Shri 420
#2. Nimmi
Though she is best known for her hit jodi with Dilip Kumar, it was Raj Kapoor who gave Nimmi her first role in Barsaat. She was the second lead in the film, but Raj Kapoor gave her an important role. The movie's classic songs like barsaat mein humse mile tum, jeeya beqarar hai and patli qamar hai were all picturised on Nimmi. The success of this film made Nimmi a star. Later she worked with Raj Kapoor in Banwara also.
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#3. Simi Garewal
Simi Garewal was a rising national and international actor. Raj Kapoor casted her in his magnum opus Mera Naam Joker. She played Raj’s character’s first love- his school teacher. Interestingly, it was actually Raj’s son, Rishi Kapoor, who acted opposite her (Rishi played his father's younger version in the movie). The unconventional story of the film had some typical Raj Kapoor scenes such as young Raju watching his teacher, Simi taking a bath. Although the scene was shot quite asecthetically, Simi managed to set many hearts on fire in this sensuous portrayal.
#4. Zeenat Aman
Zeenat was already a known name when she starred in Raj Kapoor's Satyam Shivam Sundaram. However, the film presented her in a never seen before sensuous avatar. The film made full use of Zeenat Aman's sex-appeal. Though, the film flopped, it firmly established Zeenat’s status as the most desirable woman on-screen. She also earned a Filmfare nomination for Best Actress for this film.
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Image Courtesy: Mera Naam Joker
#5. Dimple Kapadia
Dimple Kapadia was discovered at age 13 by Raj Kapoor. He later introduced her in his movie, Bobby. The film was to be his son Rishi Kapoor's first leading role. Unlike his earlier films, this was a teen romance drama. Accordingly, Rishi and Dimple wore clothes suited to the taste of the youth back then. And the young generation loved them and soon girls were vying to get the new Bobby-look. Dimple also set the heartbeats racing in a two-piece bikini scene. A star was born and rest they say, is history.
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Image Courtesy: Bobby
#6. Mandakini
Mandakini was only 16, when Raj Kapoor cast her for his 1985 movie, Ram Teri Ganga Maili. Just like Bobby, this was also a launch vehicle for another son of Raj, this time his youngest, Rajiv. The film caused quite a stir because of some exposing scenes like Mandakini bathing in a waterfall in a white sari or breastfeeding her kid. the movie caused a lot of controversy. However the movie went on to become a hit, and Mandakini became a nationwide star.
#7. Padmini Kolhapure
Raj Kapoor has worked with Padmini in Satyam Shivam Sundaram when she was a child artist. In 1982, when she was struggling to find her place as a heroine in the industry, Raj Kapoor revived her career with Prem Rog. Rishi Kapoor played the male lead. This path-breaking movie's story of a young widow was woven around Padmini's character. The film earned Padmini a Best Actress Filmfare Award.
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Image Courtesy: Prem Rog
