Rachel Dwyer on Raj Kapoor
9 February, 6.00pm, National Film Theatre 3
Raj Kapoor dominated Hindi cinema for four decades yet, although much is known about the man and the Kapoor acting dynasty, there is little writing about his films. The black and white films from the 1940s and 50s, starring Raj Kapoor and Nargis, form a group where the hero seeks a place for himself in the newly independent India. Mixing socialist ideals with Hollywood glamour, and their famous songs, it is their depiction of romance and passion that is his major legacy to Indian cinema.
Rachel Dwyer is a leading expert on India and Professor of Indian Culture and Cinema at SOAS, University of London. Her critically acclaimed books include One Hundred Bollywood Films and Yash Chopra, both published by the BFI. She is currently working on Bollywood's India: Indian Cinema as a Guide to Modern India for Reaktion.