By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
On His 76th Birthday
“सामने ये कौन आया दिल में हुई हलचल
देख के बस एक ही झलक हो गये हम पागल
बातें मुलाक़ातें तो होंगी हम से भी
वो हम पे खुलेंगी कभी आज नहीं तो कल..”
Eldest & one of the three sons of ‘show man’ Raj Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor commonly called Daboo is a known actor, producer and director. He shot into limelight with “Jawanai Dewaani” & “Rampur Ka Laxman” both released in 1972. “Jawani Diwani” was among #Ten Highest Grossing films of the year.
The actor debuted as director with “Kal Aaj Aur Kal” (1971), a successful film featuring Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor, Babita & Randhir himself with music score by Shankar Jaikishan with “Hum Jab Honge Saath Saal Ke” & “Aap Yahan Aaye Kisliye” duets rendered by Kishore Kumar-Asha Bhosle.
“Rampur Ka Laxman”, directed by Manmohan Desai & produced by AA Nadiadwala was also one of his earlier successes with “”Rampur Ka Wasi Hoon Main” (Kishore Kumar) & “Gum Hai Kisi Ke Pyar Mein” by Lata Mangeshkar- Kishore Kumar were pick of the lot on music front. “Jawani Dewaani”, directed by Narendra Bedi was, undoubtedly, his best musical film with many hits like- “Samne Yeh Kaun Aaya Dil Mein Huyi Hulchul”, “Nahin Nahin Abhi Nahin, Abhi Karo Intezaar”, “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” & “Jaane Jaan Dhoondta Phir Raha ” a duet rendered by Asha Bhosle- Kishore Kumar. He also appeared in Prakash Mehra’s ” Haath Ki Safai” (1974) featuring Hema Malini & Vinod Khanna in the lead. Also appeared in ‘Shri 420″, albeit brief. “Hamrahi”,”Ponga Pandit”, “Mama Bhanja” & ” Biwi O Biwi” were his other films. “Houseful 2” was one of his last films. Also featured in his last film ‘Super Nani’ (2014) starring Rekha.
With the stars not favouring as he had expected, the actor turned to direction and also produced “Henna” (1991), Prem Granth (1996), “Aa Ab Laut Chalen” (1999). He directed “Kal Aaj Aur Kal” (1971) featuring three generations of the Kapoors. “Dharam Karam” (1975) & “Henna” (1991), showman’s dream project ,were other films he directed.
“Henna” was shot in parts at Manali and Switzerland. Randhir Kapoor had told me his plans at the beginning of his film when I met him during a party in Bombay & apprised him of my association with his uncle Shashi Kapoor and father late Raj Kapoor.
“Henna” featured Rishi & Zeba Bakhtiar in the lead supported by Ashwini Bhawe, Farida Jalal & Kiran Kumar with music composed by Ravindra Jain. “Der Na Ho Jaye Kahin” was a popular number from this film.
