Ranbir launches book on Raj Kapoor

Ranbir launches book on grandfather Raj Kapoor

New Delhi, Oct 23 - Legendary Bollywood showman Raj Kapoor's grandson Ranbir launched the Hindi version of 'Raj Kapoor', a compilation of memoirs on the icon's personal and professional life, authored by his aunt Ritu Nanda at a function Tuesday in the capital.

'I don't have words to express how proud I feel on being Raj Kapoor's grandson. I'm here today because of him. He showed me the way,' Ranbir, said at the book launch as father Rishi Kapoor and sister Ridhima looked on. The young actor's debut film 'Saawariya' is due for release next month.

The English version of the book was launched in 2002 by Penguin, but Ritu said it didn't serve the purpose, hence the Hindi version. The cost of the book has also been reduced to make it affordable for the common man.

'Being a daughter I feel I am fortunate that I'm paying this tribute to my father. It's a very emotional moment for my family. The book is for those common men who used to see my father's films and wanted to know about him. It will be sent to 428 railway stations all over India,' said Ritu, who researched for more than a decade before writing the book.

'Though he is no more with us but he has left his family and his work which will always keep him alive. Work was worship for him. He used to constantly look for new subjects. His films always identified with the common man.'

Commenting on Ranbir's entry into films, she said: 'If Indian cinema has completed 94 years, the Kapoor family has been contributing to it for the last 80 years and now Ranbir will carry forward the legacy,' she added.

Present on the occasion were Ritu's husband Rajan, son Nikhil and daughter-in-law Shweta, Amitabh Bachchan's daughter.



Indo-Asian News Service

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/129260.html