Raj Kapoor

Golden Age 1935–1988

The “Showman” of Indian cinema, Raj Kapoor was an actor, director and studio founder whose everyman “tramp” persona made him a phenomenon from India to the Soviet Union. As founder of R.K. Films he mentored a whole ecosystem of talent. His films married mass entertainment with social conscience and unforgettable music.

Honours: Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1987); Padma Bhushan; multiple Filmfare Awards.

Filmography

The 1970s–80s

1970

Mera Naam Joker

Drama Dir. Raj Kapoor

Raj Kapoor’s deeply personal magnum opus about a clown’s life.

The Golden Era

1951

Awaara

Social Drama Dir. Raj Kapoor

A global sensation from Mumbai to Moscow; nature-versus-nurture on film.

Signature Roles

Shree 420

Barsaat

Sangam

Best known for: Awaara · Shree 420 · Mera Naam Joker · Barsaat · Sangam

Did You Know?

“Awaara Hoon” made him a household name across the USSR and China.
The R.K. Studios logo — inspired by a scene from Barsaat — became iconic.
The Filmfare Award trophy, nicknamed “the Black Lady,” has honoured Hindi film excellence since 1954.
“Bollywood” blends “Bombay” (now Mumbai) with “Hollywood” — but the industry’s formal name is simply Hindi cinema.
Raja Harishchandra (1913) by Dadasaheb Phalke is regarded as the first full-length Indian feature film.

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