New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met with the Kapoor family who invited him to join them in celebrating cinema icon Raj Kapoor’s 100th birth anniversary. While speaking about the power of movies, PM Modi recounted an incident when former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and veteran leader LK Advani went to watch a Raj Kapoor movie after a poll defeat.

“I remember the impact of films in those days. It was during the Jana Sangh era, and there was an election in Delhi. After the party lost, Advaniji and Atalji said, ‘What should we do now?’ Then they decided, ‘Let’s watch a movie.’ They went to watch Raj Kapoor’s ‘Phir Subah Hogi.'”

The Prime Minister also spoke about Raj Kapoor’s role in establishing India’s “soft power” all over the world. “In 1947, we had ‘Neel Kamal,’ and now as we approach 2047, it reflects the immense contribution of such a vast nation. Today, there is much talk about soft power in diplomacy, but back then, Raj Kapoor had already established India’s soft power in the world even before the world was coined,” he said.

Members of the Kapoor family, including Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor, and Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, were present during the interaction. The video shared by PMO also showed the Kapoor family sharing their experiences after meeting the Prime Minister.

PM Modi suggested the Kapoor family should capture the global impact of Raj Kapoor and his films through visual format.

“Can we do something, probably a film that captures Raj Kapoor’s imprint on the hearts and minds of people of Central Asia… He had a big impact on their lives in Central Asia and I think we should resurrect it and connect it with the new generation. We should do something to link this and I think it is possible,” he said.

The film festival will celebrate the centenary of Raj Kapoor, one of the most iconic figures in Indian cinema, who passed away in 1988. It showcases 10 iconic Raj Kapoor films across 40 cities and 135 cinemas, with a ticket price of Rs 100. The film festival will include screenings of classics such as ‘Aag’, ‘Barsaat’, ‘Awaara’, ‘Shree 420’, and ‘Mera Naam Joker’.

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently interacted with the Kapoor family in Delhi ahead of Raj Kapoor’s birth centenary. Even though many of the members of the Kapoor family, including Raj Kapoor’s daughter Rima Jain, daughter-in-law Neetu Kapoor and his grandchildren were there at the meeting, the absence of Taimur and Jeh – the sons of Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan – was noticed by the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister said that he was looking forward to “meet the third generation”.

Saif Ali Khan told PM Modi he is the first Prime Minister he has ever met.

“You are the first Prime Minister that I have met. Your energy is so good and you work so hard. I want to congratulate you on whatever you do. Thank you for opening your doors and for being accessible to us,” he said.

PM Modi then said that he had met his father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, and was hoping to meet the next generation.

“I had met your father and I thought today I will get to meet the third generation as well. But you didn’t bring them (par aap laye nahi),” the Prime Minister quipped.

Kareena Kapoor Khan, during the interaction, sought an autograph for Taimur and Jeh from PM Modi.

“We are deeply humbled and honoured to have been invited by the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, to commemorate the extraordinary life and legacy of our grandfather, the legendary Raj Kapoor. Thank you Shri Modi ji for such a special afternoon. Your warmth, attention, and support in celebrating this milestone meant the world to us,” Kareena Kapoor expressed her gratitude for the special meeting.

The Prime Minister wrote a message for “Tim and Jeh” on a piece of paper.

The Kapoor family invited PM Modi for the Raj Kapoor Fim Festival which will showcase his 10 iconic films across 40 cities and 135 cinemas.