By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Bobby
एक दिन वह मिले रोज मिलने लगे
फिर मोहब्बत हुयी
बस क़यामत हुयी
खो गए तुम कहाँ
सुनके यह दास्ताँ
लोग हैरान हैं
क्यूँ की अनजान हैं
Rishi Kapoor was first recognized by most cine-goers in star- studded “Mera Naam Joker” in an unusual role of a student who feasts his eyes on his teachress. He is particularly entranced by the sight of her marvels when she accidentally falls into the river and comes out concealing her nakedness during a school picnic trip. The film turned out to be one of the biggest box office flops, causing huge losses to the exchequer.
Raj Kapoor,however, took a calculated risk to regain his lost prestige as a moviemaker while launching his son Rishi Kapoor opposite another newcomer, a nubile teenage girl Dimple Kapadia in “Bobby” then a teenage beauty,supported by Prem Nath & Prem Chopra.
The film did wonders on the box office. People came from nearby towns & cities to see the movie in Delhi after its release in 1973. The music, coupled with the youthful charm of the budding actress, did the miracle. “Hum Tum Ek Kamre Mein Band Hon”, “Jhoot Bole Kauva Kaate”, “Main Shaayar To Nahin, Magar Ai Hasin” & “Beshaq Mandir Masjid Todo” were some of the hit numbers. He was bestowed with Filmfare Award for Best Actor with “Bobby” becoming one of the decade’s biggest hits in India .There was no looking back for the youngster. He went his way breaking all hurdles. Even the phenomenal success of of Rajesh Khanna & later Amitabh did not deter his courage. Interestingly, the film paved way for another actor Prem Chopra whose dialogue “Prem Hai Naam Mera- Prem Chopra” made him a star in his own right.
“Bobby”, “Jugnu”, “Daag”, “Zanjeer” & “Yaadon Ki Baaraat” were the top 5 highest grossing films of he year.Dharmendra featured in 4 of the top 10 films.
“Karz”, “Deewana”, “Naseeb”,”Saagar”, “Coolie”, “Ek Chadar Maili Se”, “Amar Akbar Anthony” ,” Khel Khel Mein” , “Hum Kisi Se Kum Naheen” & “Mulk” are some of his best films. Married actress Neetu Singh. His son Ranbir Kapoor is also a successful star.
