Ranbir Kapoor Announces Raj Kapoor Film Festival at IFFI 2024 to Celebrate Grandfather’s Centenary

Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor has announced a special Raj Kapoor Film Festival to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of his legendary grandfather, the iconic filmmaker Raj Kapoor. The festival will showcase restored versions of Raj Kapoor’s classic films and will be held across India from December 13 to 15, 2024.

Ranbir made the announcement during his conversation with filmmaker Rahul Rawail at the ongoing 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The festival, which will honor Raj Kapoor’s contribution to Indian cinema, coincides with his birth centenary on December 14.

Key Highlights:

• The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), National Film Archives of India (NFAI), and Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), in collaboration with Ranbir’s uncle Kunal Kapoor, are undertaking the restoration of 10 films by Raj Kapoor. These films will be showcased during the festival.
• Ranbir shared his excitement about the event, saying, “We are going to organise the Raj Kapoor Film Festival from December 13 to 15 all over India. We will show the restored version of his 10 films.”
• The actor also emphasized the importance of preserving and passing on the legacy of legendary figures like Raj Kapoor. He remarked, “It’s important we remember our roots,” drawing a personal anecdote about his wife Alia Bhatt not initially knowing about Kishore Kumar, highlighting the generational gap in recognizing cinematic icons.

On the Biopic of Raj Kapoor:

During the session, Ranbir spoke about his long-held dream of making a biopic on Raj Kapoor, a project he has discussed with renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Ranbir said that a biopic on his grandfather would need to portray not just the success but also the struggles and complexities of Raj Kapoor’s life. He added, “A biopic is not just something which highlights the success in a person’s life, you truly have to portray someone’s life honestly—the lows, struggles, relationship dynamics.”

He acknowledged that such a film would be challenging, both in terms of content and family approval, due to the personal and sometimes controversial aspects of Raj Kapoor’s life. Nevertheless, Ranbir believes it could make for a compelling movie, exploring all facets of his grandfather’s legacy.

Ranbir’s Upcoming Projects and Love for Bhansali:

In addition to the Raj Kapoor Film Festival and the biopic project, Ranbir expressed his excitement about reuniting with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the upcoming film “Love & War”. Bhansali, who gave Ranbir his big break in 2007’s “Saawariya”, remains a strong influence on the actor. “I’m excited to work with Bhansali again. Even after 17 years, it still feels the same,” Ranbir said, reflecting on their long-standing professional relationship.

A Personal Touch:

In a touching moment, Ranbir shared that he introduced his two-year-old daughter Raha to the music of Raj Kapoor by playing her the iconic song “Kisi Ki Muskurahaton Pe Ho Nisaar” from the 1959 film Anari. This gesture further highlights the deep personal connection Ranbir has to his grandfather’s work, and his desire to pass on that legacy to the next generation.

As the Raj Kapoor Film Festival approaches, it promises to be a grand celebration of one of Indian cinema’s most cherished filmmakers, showcasing the enduring appeal of Raj Kapoor’s films for audiences old and new.