TRIBUTE TO GREAT PRITHVIRAJ KAPOOR!

 - Manoj Kulkarni 

Today is 111th Birth Anniversary of..one of the pioneers of our Indian theatre & cinema..great actor Prithviraj Kapoor!

Prithviraj Kapoor in India's first talkie 'Alam Ara' (1931).

Started acting on theatre..Prithviraj Kapoor latter shifted to 'Imperial Film Company' in Bombay. And after few silent films he acted in India's first talkie 'Alam Ara' (1931) made by Ardeshir Irani! Then his most notable role was Alexander in Sohrab Modi's 'Sikandar' (1941).

Prithviraj Kapoor in 'Vidyapati' (1937).

He was associated with 'IPTA' and latter founded his own 'Prithvi Theatres' in 1944. It's plays were influential & inspired youth to participate in our India's independence movement!

Prithviraj Kapoor in 'Sikandar' (1941).

He also acted in popular Punjabi film 'Nanak Nam Jahaz Hai' (1969). Then in 'Kal Aaj Aur Kal' (1971) he appeared (after 'Awara') with son Raj Kapoor & grandson Randhir Kapoor! Started with him..Kapoor family's four generations contributed a lot to Indian film industry!

Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor & Randhir Kapoor in 'Kal Aaj aur Kal' (1971).

After 'Sangeet Natak Akademi's awards..in 1969 Government of India honoured him with 'Padma Bhushan' and he remained Rajya Sabha member for 8 years. In 1971 'Dadasaheb Phalke Award' was conferred on him!

Prithviraj Kapoor & Dilip Kumar in 'Mughal-E-Azam' (1960). 

Still remember his great characters on screen like king in 'Vidyapati' (1937) and Emperor Akbar in K. Asif's 'Mughal-E-Azam' (1960) in which the way he raised the voice towards son played by Dilip Kumar.."Saleeem...!" was a moving experience!

Tribute to Prithviraj Kapoorsahab!!

- Manoj Kulkarni 
['Chitrasrushti', Pune, India]