Prithviraj Kapoor, the inaugural member of the Kapoor clan to venture into the entertainment industry, played a pivotal role in the production of India's first talkie, Alam Ara. His legacy extended to his involvement in one of Indian cinema's most iconic creations, Mughal-e-Azam. Despite his own significant achievements, Prithviraj took immense pride in his son Raj Kapoor's establishment of RK Studio at the young age of 24. This deep sense of pride was vividly evident when his son handed him a blank check to purchase a car, leaving the elder Kapoor profoundly moved. ALSO READ | DID YOU KNOW? Karisma Kapoor Saw Grandfather Raj Kapoor Pull Women’s Hair, Bollywood Director Makes BIG Revelation- Read To Know
In the book 'The Prithviwallahs,' co-authored by Shashi Kapoor and Deepa Gahlot, Shashi Kapoor recounted a touching incident involving his brother Raj Kapoor. After achieving stardom, Raj was determined to present their father with a special gift. He decided that their father deserved a new car, as reported by BBC Hindi. For many years, Prithviraj had been driving a 1938 Opel car, a vehicle he had purchased when he first found success in Bombay. When Raj Kapoor attained star status, he offered his father a blank check, allowing him to select a car of his preference. ALSO READ | THROWBACK! Raj Kapoor Sings ‘Awaara Hoon’ To A Young Ranbir Kapoor; Fans Say, ‘Won't See Legend Like Him In Our Lives Again’- Watch VIRAL Video
When PRITHVIRAJ KAPOOR was offered work as "unpaid extra" by Ardeshir Irani; he asked "What's extra?"
— Film History Pics (@FilmHistoryPic) November 3, 2023
Born on this day in Faisalabad, he debuted in a silent film in 1928, featured in first talkie Alam Ara, established Prithvi Theatre in 1944 & did ~100 films over 40+ yrs. pic.twitter.com/uGY53SZ93R
However, when the time came to cash the check, Prithviraj Kapoor was overwhelmed with emotion. Shashi Kapoor revealed that their father, instead of filling in a specific amount, simply wrote "With love" in the amount section and never actually deposited the check. He went on to share that whenever someone would visit him, Prithviraj would proudly display that piece of paper to them.
Raj Kapoor acknowledged his father for providing him with his initial opportunity as an actor. In numerous interviews, he revealed that while he initially worked as a clapper boy in movies, it was in his father's theatrical productions that he began his acting career. It was only after film directors in Mumbai saw him perform on stage that they decided to give him a chance in the world of cinema.
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