By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
Goga Kapoor was a theatre actor before he took to films. He mostly appeared in English plays during his early days. It was there that during one such play his acting potential was noticed and he was cast in “Jwala”, a Hindi film starring Madhubala, Sunil Dutt and Sohrab Modi, produced by M. V. Raman, a noted South director earlier known for his films- “Bahaar”( 1951), “Asha” (1957) and “Payal Ki Jhankaar” ( 1968).
The film though started somewhere in 1959, could not be released because of various cinematic constraints, coupled with the untimely death of Madhubala. Later a new starlet Sona, who resembled Madhubala ,was included to do the unfinished work of the legendary actress. It was released in 1971 and publicized as being the first color film of the late actress.
Kapoor played ‘Kans’ in TV serial “Mahabharat”. He also acted in many multi-starrers like Yaadon Ki Baaraat & Zanzeer (1973), Hera Pheri, Khoon Pasina(1976), Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki & Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), Mr. Natwarlal (1979), Dostana ,Shaan (1980), Yaarana and Lawaaris (1981),Shakti ( 1982), Coolie and Betaab ( 1983). In most of these films he played either a villain or a henchman. His most notable film was ‘Qyamat Se Qyamat Tak’ starring Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla. Goga Kapoor played the role of Juhi’s father Randhir Singh. The film won National Award For Best Flm besides winning 8 other Awards in different categories including Best Male Debut for Aamir Khan. Most of his films were multi-starrers.
In an informal chat with the actor, while returning from the shooting of his film at Aarey Milk Colony, Mumbai, Kapoor revealed that he was the only Punjabi actor who had the courage to often visit Punjab in his car when terrorism was at peak. He dropped me at Bandra where I was staying. A true Punjabi by heart, the actor died on March 3, 2011.
