Book Nook: ‘Raj Kapoor: A Master at Work’ is Rahul Rawail’s tribute to the showman

“I was all set to study nuclear physics in Canada when suddenly Chintu called me on the sets of Mera Naam Joker. What I considered to be a casual visit ended up changing my life forever,” Rawail recalled how he first got acquainted with Raj Kapoor.

Rawail dedicated his book to his closest buddy Rishi Kapoor, who shared a 62-year-old friendship with the author. “I had known Chintu (Rishi Kapoor) since we were in nursery class. We would call each other every day from any part of the world. We would mostly argue but we always had each other’s back. I remember our last conversation; in fact, it was the last conversation Chintu had with anyone before he was gone. It was my birthday, and we were on a call when he (Rishi) said that he is feeling tired. We switched to WhatsApp and he sent me two texts. I never heard anything from him after.” Rishi Kapoor died in 2020 at the age of 67.

As for the fond memories of Raj Kapoor, the author said, “There are many memories which I vividly recall. First, he was a big-time foodie, and it was always a surprise to see him making weird combinations of foods. What surprised me was seeing him eating jalebi with buttered pav and dipped with ketchup!”

Rahul went on to work under the banner of R.K. Films as an assistant director. Under the tutelage of Raj Saab, Rawail went on to make a mark of his own through films like Betaab (1983), Anjaam (1994), and Bhekhudi (1992) and has directed over 18 movies and two television serials. Through his book, not only does Rawail chart Raj Kapoor’s journey as a showman but also walk down memory lane, remembering Raj Kapoor as an actor, mentor, foodie, and, most importantly, as Rawail’s family.

Prabha Khaitan Foundation (PKF) is a non-profit organisation based in Kolkata, committed to promoting performing arts, culture, education, literature, gender equality, and women’s empowerment through author’s meets, book launches, literature fests, panel discussions, boutique festivals, and performing artists.