Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Raj Kapoor was going through his toughest phase after the release of Mera Naam Joker as he was on the brink of losing everything, even his studio, and at this time, the filmmaker-actor decided to launch his son Rishi Kapoor in the teenage romance film Bobby. Raj decided to cast newcomers Rishi and Dimple Kapadia in the film, and wanted Rishi to get some basic training in acting before starting the film. At the time, the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune was one of the few acting schools in the country and Raj wanted his son to enroll there but he couldn’t make it happen.
In a recent interview with Vickey Lalwani on his YouTube channel, veteran journalist Hanif Zaveri shared, “When Raj Kapoor wanted to launch Rishi Kapoor in Bobby, he wanted Rishi to get some training at FTII. But there was some minimum educational qualification that was required to get admission but Rishi didn’t have that, and he was rejected.” Raj was still keen for Rishi to go to the institute so he started finding out other ways that could help his son get admission.
During this time, late actor Asrani, who had been an acting student at FTII, along with Jaya Bachchan, was also an acting teacher at the institute. Raj hoped that Asrani could be of some help in this department and got in touch with him. “Raj Kapoor went to Asrani and hoped that Asrani would help Rishi in getting admission. But that couldn’t happen and it led to a rift between Raj Kapoor and Asrani,” Hanif said.
The veteran journalist said that after this, Raj Kapoor never cast Asrani in any of his films, but it did not affect Asrani and Rishi Kapoor’s relationship. The two worked together in the 1975 film Rafoo Chakkar and later, when Asrani directed the film Chala Murari Hero Banne, Rishi appeared for a cameo. Hanif claimed that Rishi did not take a penny for his work in the film.
Chala Murari Hero Banne starred Asrani in the lead role and the actor had previously shared that he had a tough time casting for the film, which led to his “lowest phase.”
Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.
