Raj Kapoor established RK Studios in Chembur rightfully received the tag of iconic for its numerous cinematic memories. Not just nostalgia but the studio was home to several posters, types of equipment and means that were used by the veteran filmmaker to craft masterpieces. And now, as the studio, around five months ago made way for a luxurious residential project, Randhir Kapoor, the eldest son of Raj sahab, handed over the memorabilia of his father's unforgettable films to the Film Heritage Foundation for preservation. Randhir, from posters to the first camera the showman used over the decades along with some other artifacts, handed over some priceless souvenirs to the foundation. Confirming this development, Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, the founder of Film Heritage Foundation, during an interview with a leading daily, said he is grateful to Randhir for handing over the material to the foundation.
"Randhir Kapoor gave us most of the materials, including posters, photographs, lobby cards and Raj Kapoor's books. In fact, we also have the camera that Raj saab used to shoot his first film (Aag, 1948). He used the same camera for several films thereon. These things have to be kept in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment, and I am grateful that Randhir saab thought that the best place to preserve all of it is with us," Shivendra told during the interview.
Shivendra Singh Dungarpur
He further went on and added that the foundation would have loved to take care of the costumes that were stored in RK Studios but owing to a massive fire break-out, the costume and makeup department went down to ashes in no time. "I made a documentary, The Immortals, in which I had shown Raj Kapoor's coat and shoes from the song, Mera Joota Hai Japani (Shree 420, 1955). We would have loved to take care of these rare pieces, but unfortunately, the entire make-up and costume department got burnt. As for the manuscripts, letters and scripts, they are well-preserved by the family," he told.
In December this year, the foundation will conduct a restoration workshop in Hyderabad where Raj sahab's memorabilia will be showcased before several dignitaries.
(Source: Mid-Day)
