Raj Kapoor is considered to be the greatest Showman of Bollywood till date. Known for his work in cult-classics like Awaara, Shree 420, Sangam, Mera Naam Joker & many more, the legendary actor-director-producer was honoured with 11 Filmfare Awards, 3 National Film Awards, Dadasaheb Phalke Award & Padma Bhushan by the Government Of India.
But 36 years back today, 2nd June 1988, the world came to a standstill when the loss of India’s greatest cinematic personality, Raj Kapoor, stunned everyone. The megastar of the Hindi Film Industry passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (Delhi) due to multisystem failure leading which led to cardiorespiratory arrest. The end came after a 31-day battle which began on May 2nd at the moment of Kapoor’s prestigious triumph, as he was to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (highest cinematic honour) from President R Venkataraman. Post his unfortunate demise, Raj Sahab’s body was airlifted to Mumbai for his last rights (cremation).
Revisit the final journey of India’s greatest showman – Raj Kapoor with Lehren’s 36 years old Retro Video. Entire Nation, Cinema Fans & members of the Film Fraternity mourned the loss of the greatest actor of the Kapoor Clan. In the video, as it’s clearly visible, thousands of fans & public in large numbers, gathered to just get a final glimpse of their favourite superstar Raj Kapoor & take part in the last rally which showcases the portrait of the heavenly abode. Members of the Kapoor Family, Krishna Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Rajeev Kapoor were seen getting extremely emotional during the last journey of their beloved family pillar.
Numerous eminent personalities from the film industry & political circles including Bal Saheb Thackeray, Dilip Kumar, Rajendra Kumar, Manoj Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, Sunil Dutt, Dharmendra, Feroze Khan, Subhash Ghai, Kabir Bedi, Jackie Shroff, Sanjay Dutt, Dimple Kapadia & others were seen paying tribute to the Showman on the sorrowful day. The last rites were conducted by the Kapoor Family according to Hindu Traditions & Customs.
However, 36 years have passed since Raj Sahab left us, The Showman’s cinematic legacy will always be remembered by us, as we say: ‘The Show Must Go On…’
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