Randhir Kapoor inaugurates 'Raj Kapoor Memorial'

It's been over 25 years since Indian cinema legend Raj Kapoor breathed his last but his son, veteran actor Randhir Kapoor, who was present at the inauguration ceremony of 'Raj Kapoor Memorial - The Golden Era of Indian Cinema' at Rajbaugh here, still feels his father is "alive".

Organised by World Peace Center, Alandi and the Rajbaugh campus of MAEER's MIT College in Loni Kalbhor near Pune, the museum was inaugurated Friday.

At the ceremony, chief guest Randhir said: "I thank MIT for the respect and love they have shown towards my father. His soul is staying here in this place, in this memorial and in every tree and flower.

"I am very happy for the respect shown towards my father, Raj Kapoor-ji, the greatest showman of Hindi cinema. My father is not alive today but I feel that he is alive and lives in this place in every work and (that he) lives in this memorial."

Rajiv Kapoor, youngest son of Raj Kapoor, was also present on the occasion.

Rajiv said: "I think everyone should see this memorial. We can learn a lot from his (my father's) work. I am also thankful for the respect given to my father."

The founder president of World Peace Center, Alandi, Vishwanath D. Karad, said: "It was the dream of Raj Kapoor and his family that this land should be used for educational purposes. This great artist has given a unique message to the society. Therefore, we were tempted to build this memorial which reflects Indian culture through the cinema."

Raj Kapoor was only 24 when he launched his own studio, RK Films, and became the youngest director of his time with "Aag" in 1948.

He went on to taste success by producing, directing and acting in successful movies like

"Barsaat" (1949), "Awaara" (1951), "Shree 420" (1955), "Chori Chori" (1956).