PMINDIA

Ranbir Kapoor: For the past week, our WhatsApp family group has been actively debating how we should address you—Prime Minister Ji or Pradhan Mantri Ji! Reema Bua calls me every day, asking what to say and how.

Prime Minister: Brother, I am also a part of your family. Say whatever you feel like.

Woman: Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji!

Prime Minister: Cut!

Woman: You have graciously invited us here today, spending your valuable time. On the occasion of Raj Kapoor’s 100th birthday, we thank you. I was reminded of a few lines from one of Papa’s films: Mai na rahungi, tum na rahoge, lekin rahengi nishaniyan!

Prime Minister: Wow!

Woman: The respect and love you have shown us are immeasurable. Today, the entire nation will witness the reverence Narendra Modi Ji, our Prime Minister, has extended to the Kapoor family.

Prime Minister: Kapoor Sahab has made an immense contribution! I consider it my privilege to welcome you all here. Raj Sahab’s 100th birthday marks a golden milestone in the journey of Indian cinema. From Neel Kamal in 1947 to 2047, this century-long journey signifies an extraordinary contribution to the nation. In today’s diplomatic circles, there is considerable discussion about soft power. During an era when the term ‘soft power’ had not even been coined, Raj Kapoor Sahab had already established Bharat’s influence on the global stage through his work. This was a monumental service to the country.

Woman: Something similar happened with Ranbir. He was sitting in a car, and the Russian taxi driver asked, Are you from India? Then he started singing a song. He told him, I am Raj Kapoor’s grandson—tell him son!

Ranbir Kapoor: I told him I was his grandson, and I always got free taxi rides because of that.

Prime Minister: Perhaps something could be done, especially in Central Asia. A film should be made that resonates deeply with the minds and hearts of the people there. Raj Sahab, even after so many years, still holds a strong emotional connection with them. That, in itself, is remarkable.

Woman: These days, even young children are being taught a variety of songs!

Prime Minister: That shows the lasting impact on their lives. I believe there is immense potential in Central Asia. We should work to revive this connection, linking it to the new generation and strengthening the bond. Such creative endeavours should be initiated, and they certainly can be achieved.

Woman: He received so much affection that his name became internationally recognised. You could call him a cultural ambassador in a small way. But today, I must say this: while he may have been a small cultural ambassador, our Prime Minister has elevated India onto the global stage, and we are so proud. Each member of this family is very proud.

Prime Minister: Indeed, the country’s global standing has significantly increased. Take yoga, for example. Today, no matter where you go in the world, you’ll find tremendous appreciation for yoga.

Woman: My mother and I, along with Bebo, Lolo, and all of us, are deeply interested in yoga.

Prime Minister: Whenever I meet world leaders, whether during lunch or dinner, the conversation around me often revolves solely around yoga.

Person: This film is a humble tribute to my grandfather. It’s actually my first film as a producer, and I had always dreamed of creating something with my family. This project encapsulates everything dear to us.

Woman: May I share something? These are my grandsons, my children. They never had the chance to meet their grandfather, yet they are creating this film to honour him. Armaan has done extensive research, and this work is, in part, a tribute to him.

Person: Everything we have learned comes from films, and much of it has been taught to us by our mother.

Prime Minister: When you conduct research, in a way, you immerse yourself in that world—you live it. You are truly fortunate because, even though you never met your Nanaji, you have the opportunity to experience his life through this work.

Person: Yes, absolutely. This has been a big dream of mine, and I am incredibly grateful that my entire family is a part of this project.

Prime Minister: I recall the influence of his films. During the Jan Sangh era, there was an election in Delhi, and the Jan Sangh lost. Advani Ji and Atal Ji, upon facing defeat, said, “What shall we do now?” They decided to watch a film to lift their spirits. They went to watch a Raj Kapoor movie. The night passed, and by morning, they found renewed hope. It was as if, despite their loss, a new dawn awaited.

I also remember being in China, and one of your father’s songs was playing. I asked a colleague to record it on a mobile phone, and I sent it to Rishi Sahab. He was overjoyed.

Alia: I think you recently visited Africa, and I saw a clip of you standing with a soldier who was singing one of my songs. That clip went viral, and many people sent it to me. Everyone was so happy to see it. I have always felt that songs have a unique ability to unite the world. Hindi songs, in particular, hold a special place—they transcend language barriers. People may not always understand the words, but they sing along regardless. I have noticed this often during my travels, especially with Raj Kapoor’s songs. Even today, there’s something deeply sentimental and universal about our music that creates an instant connection. Speaking of which, I had a question—do you still get a chance to listen to songs?

Prime Minister: Yes, I do as I enjoy music, and whenever I get the opportunity, I make sure to listen.

Saif Ali Khan: You are the first Prime Minister I have had the honour of meeting, and you have met us personally—not once, but twice. You exude such positive energy, and your dedication to your work is truly admirable. I would like to congratulate you on all that you do and thank you for opening your doors, meeting with us, and being so approachable. Thank you very much.

Prime Minister: I remember meeting your father, and I was hoping that today I would get the chance to meet three generations of your family. But you didn’t bring the third generation along.

Karisma Kapoor: We really wanted to bring them.

Woman: They are all big actors, we are not in the greater field, my children are trying their level best. And we were invited by the Prime Minister. Thank you, Papa!

Ranbir Kapoor: We are organising a retrospective of Raj Kapoor’s work on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of December. The Government of India, NFDC, and NFAI have been incredibly supportive. We have restored 10 of his films, both audio and visual, and they will be showcased in 160 theatres across 40 cities in Bharat. We are hosting the premiere on the 13th in Mumbai, and we have invited the entire film industry to join us.