Raj Kapoor (born Shrishti Nath Kapoor on 14 December 1924 – 2 June 1988) was a legendary Indian actor, film director, and producer, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Indian cinema. Known as "The Greatest Showman of Indian Cinema" and "The Charlie Chaplin of Indian Cinema," Kapoor was celebrated for his contributions to both acting and filmmaking. He is remembered for his roles in iconic films like *Awaara* (1951) and *Shree 420* (1955), where he portrayed characters inspired by Charlie Chaplin’s Tramp. His performance in *Awaara* was ranked among the top ten greatest performances in world cinema by *Time* magazine in 2005.
Kapoor’s films, including *Awaara* and *Boot Polish* (1954), were internationally successful, gaining attention at prestigious festivals like Cannes. His work earned him numerous accolades, including three National Film Awards and 11 Filmfare Awards. He was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1971 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1988 by the Indian government for his contributions to Indian cinema.
**Early Life and Background:**
Raj Kapoor was born in Peshawar (now in Pakistan) to the prominent Kapoor family on 14 December 1924. He was the eldest of six children of actor Prithviraj Kapoor and Ramsarni Devi Kapoor. The Kapoor family originally hailed from Samundri, Punjab, and belonged to the Dhai Ghar Khatri community. Kapoor’s upbringing was influenced by Arya Samaj beliefs. He had two famous brothers: Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor, both of whom were also successful actors. Kapoor also had a sister, Urmila Sial, and two siblings who died in infancy.
The Kapoor family later moved to Bombay for better educational and professional opportunities. Kapoor attended several schools, including Colonel Brown Cambridge School in Dehradun, St Xavier's Collegiate School in Calcutta, and Campion School in Bombay.
Kapoor’s family was deeply rooted in the film industry, with many of his relatives, including his uncles and cousins, being well-known figures in cinema. His nephew, producer Boney Kapoor, and his nephews, actors Anil Kapoor and Sanjay Kapoor, are also notable figures in the Indian film industry.
