PM Modi Meets Kapoor Family, Gets Invited For Raj Kapoor Film Festival

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said Raj Kapoor’s birth centenary year marks a golden era for Indian cinema while suggesting that his family should take the legacy of the showman forward by making a documentary on his international "soft power."

He met with members of the Kapoor family at his New Delhi residence on Tuesday, who invited him to the Raj Kapoor Film Festival to be held to celebrate the occasion. Ranbir Kapoor, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, and Neetu Kapoor met the prime minister ahead of the filmmaker’s 100th birth anniversary on Dec. 14.

"Raj Kapoor's 100th birthday is an important milestone in India's cinema's golden journey. It began with 1947's 'Neel Kamal,' and we are on course to 2047. It is such a contribution to the country when we look back at this journey of 100 years," PM Modi said.

"In the diplomatic world, we talk a lot about soft power. And at a time when this phrase didn't even exist, Raj Kapoor sahab established India's soft power all over the world. It was his big service to India," he added.

Ranbir Kapoor said he will forever be grateful to PM Modi for interacting with the family. "We had a lot of fun during our chat with the PM, and we asked a lot of personal questions. He was very friendly with us. We were very nervous before the meeting, but he was very good and made us comfortable, and I really thank him," he added.

Kareena Kapoor Khan thanked PM Modi for inviting them to "commemorate the extraordinary life and legacy" of their grandfather ahead of the cinema icon's birth centenary.

Karisma Kapoor said she felt overwhelmed after meeting the prime minister. "He gave a lot of love and respect to my grandfather and the family. I think this has been a monumental and memorable day in our lives. So thank you, Modi ji, for giving us this chance to spend time with you and interact with you," she said.

(With inputs from PTI)