The 1970 iconic film with two intervals was slammed by the critics back then but received a lot of appreciation over time. Directed, produced and acted by Raj Kapoor, he had to mortgaged his assets to ensure the release of his film, Mera Naam Joker. The film had taken six years to complete and on a massive budget. For the timeless songs, dialogues and touching story of the film, Mera Naam Joker will be treasured by the lovers of Hindi cinema. The film also marked the debut of young Rishi Kapoor, who portrayed the role of young Raj Kapoor in Mera Naam Joker and it proved that he was all set to follow his father’s footsteps in real-life. (Also Read: Varun Dhawan Reveals His Girlfriend, Natasha Dalal Rejected Him Multiple Times, He Didn't Give Up)
At the age of 18, Rishi Kapoor had made his acting debut in the Hindi film industry with Mera Naam Joker, directed and produced by his father, Raj Kapoor. When the film had completed 49 years in 2019, Rishi Kapoor posted a collage which had a younger version of him, who portrayed the role of young Raju in the film, standing with the joker in his hand and a picture of Raj Kapoor in the same pose. Expressing how privileged he used to feel to be a part of this film, Rishi Kapoor had tweeted, "Privileged to be part of this film. Shot this in ‘67/‘68. Released today 18th December’70. 49 years back!"
December 18, 2020, not only marks to be the completion of 50 years of the film, Mera Naam Joker, but also Rishi Kapoor’s five decades in the industry. Neetu Kapoor posted a collage of late Rishi Kapoor’s four pictures, which marked his journey over the years. Mrs Kapoor captioned her post as “Mera naam joker released on 18th dec. 1970 .. today would have been his 50 years in the indian film industry #rishikapoor.” Riddhima Kapoor Sahni too, posted an IG story and wrote, "Legend forever #50yearstoday Miss you so much."
On a Melbourne special episode of the show, Rendezvous with Simi Garewal in 2016, her Mera Naam Joker co-star, Rishi Kapoor had revealed that she was her first crush and her first love. Mr Kapoor had said, “She holds a very special place in my heart. She was my first crush, my first love. In the film Mera Naam Joker, if you see that. The way she guided me, helped me. Whatever I have done in the film, is only because of Mr Raj Kapoor, who was our director. And because of Simi.” Surprised to hear what Rishi Kapoor said, Simi Garewal insisted that she did not “do anything”. He had continued, “You were so patient.” She had then interrupted him and said, “That is so sweet of you to give me credit where it is not due. Well, I accept it!” (Also Read: Neha Kakkar And Rohanpreet Singh Announce The News Of Their Pregnancy With An Adorable Picture)
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To mark the 96th birth anniversary of Raj Kapoor on December 14, 2020, his daughter-in-law, Neetu Kapoor had remembered her late father-in-law and late husband, Rishi Kapoor on this special day. Revisiting her wedding memories, Neetu Kapoor had posted a monochrome picture from her wedding reception with Raj Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor in the frame and she was beautifully dressed up as a bride. Mrs Kapoor had captioned her post as “Remember n miss both of them!!!” Rishi Kapoor had looked suave as always in a white suit which perfectly complemented his wife, Neetu Kapoor’s silver saree that was reportedly gifted to her by her mother-in-law, Krishna Raj Kapoor.
In a 2017 interview with the Post Magazine, Rishi Kapoor had revealed how he started practising his autograph after being told that he will be doing Mera Naam Joker. Mr Kapoor had said, “I’ve always wanted to be an actor. Four generations of our family have been in the business. Of the 108 years of Indian cinema, the Kapoors have been in it for over 90 years, starting with my grandfather, Prithviraj Kapoor (in the 1920s). I started off as a child star in my father’s film (Mera Naam Joker, 1970) and when I was first told I’d be doing the movie, I ran into my room and started practising my autograph (Kapoor won a National Film Award for his role). My first film as a lead actor was Bobby (1973).” (Also Read: Genelia Deshmukh Reveals That Hubby, Riteish Deshmukh Knows The Secret Of Keeping The Wife Happy)
What do you like the most in the cult film, Mera Naam Joker? Share with us!
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