NewKerala.com

Karisma Kapoor Reveals Prithviraj Kapoor's Law Student Past on Indian Idol

Karisma Kapoor was moved by a performance of a classic song from 'Mughal-E-Azam' on Indian Idol. She revealed that her great-grandfather, Prithviraj Kapoor, was originally a law student before pursuing acting in Mumbai. He struggled before breaking into cinema, featuring in landmark films like 'Alam Ara' and 'Mughal-E-Azam'. Host Aditya Narayan honored him as the foundational "chaand" (moon) of the Kapoor legacy and the Hindi film industry.

Key Points: Prithviraj Kapoor's Journey from Law to Bollywood Icon

  • Prithviraj Kapoor was a law student
  • He starred in India's first talkie film Alam Ara
  • His iconic role was Emperor Akbar in Mughal-E-Azam
  • He founded the legendary Kapoor film dynasty
2 min read

Karisma Kapoor talks about great grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor's journey from law student to Bollywood icon

Karisma Kapoor shares unknown facts about her great-grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor's early life and legacy on Indian Idol.

"I don't know if many people know that Prithviraj ji earlier was a law student. - Karisma Kapoor"

Mumbai, April 5

In the latest episode of the singing reality show, Indian Idol, Bollywood diva Karisma Kapoor shared some unknown facts about her late great grandfather and Bollywood icon Prithviraj Kapoor.

Following a soulful performance by contestant Jyotirmayee Naik, who sang the timeless classic of Hindi cinema, 'Pyar Kiya to Darna Kya' from the iconic 1959 first hit 'Mughal-E-Azam,' starring Prithviraj Kapoor, Karisma was seen visibly moved.

Reflecting on Prithviraj Kapoor's journey, she said, "I don't know if many people know that Prithviraj ji earlier was a law student. He was so fond of acting that he went to Mumbai, also called Bombay at that time."

She added, "He struggled a lot and then got a break. Prithviraj Kapoor was part of India's first talkie film, Alam Ara, and after a long time, India's first colour graded film was Mughal-E-Azam."

Praising Jyotirmayee's performance, Karisma added, "Thank you so much, you have beautifully rendered it today."

For the uninitiated, Prithviraj Kapoor is considered to be one of the founding figures of Hindi cinema and also birthed the entire reputed Kapoor family of Bollywood.

The actor was the father of Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor. His legacy has been carried forwarded by his grandchildren Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Rajiv Kapoor and great grandchildren Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor.

Prithviraj Kapoor's role as Emperor Akbar in the movie Mughal-E-Azam is touted as one of the finest performances in the history of Bollywood.

The late legendary was also honoured during the episode by host Aditya Narayan, who said, "Kehte hai aasman mai, sitaare kai hote hain, lekin chaand ek hi hota hain, aur Kapoor's legacy ka chaand hai Prithviraj Kapoor."

He added, "If it weren't for Prithvi Raj Kapoor, this Kapoor legacy wouldn't have existed. There wouldn't have been many superstars, RK Studios, Prithvi Theatre, and this film industry wouldn't have existed. Prithvraj came into the industry as an extra, and he made the industry extraordinary. Whether the first talkie film, Alam Ara, became the voice of Hindi cinema, or the industry's biggest classic, Mughal-E-Azam, became the masterclass of acting, Prithviraj ji showed at every turn why the Hindi film industry calls him Papaji."

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's wonderful to see these stories being shared on a mainstream platform like Indian Idol. Connecting new talent with the roots of the industry is so important. Jyotirmayee singing that classic must have been magical.
V
Vikram M
His performance as Akbar is legendary. Even today, no one can match that screen presence and dialogue delivery. "Pyar Kiya to Darna Kya" is timeless. It's heartwarming to see Karisma keeping his memory alive. True blue Bollywood royalty!
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, while the legacy is undeniable, I sometimes feel shows use these emotional family stories more for TRP than genuine tribute. That said, the facts about Alam Ara and Mughal-E-Azam are part of our cinematic history that every film buff should know.
P
Priya S
My nani used to tell us stories about going to see Prithviraj Kapoor's plays at Prithvi Theatre. The man was a giant, on stage and screen. From law to legends – what a shift! This makes me want to rewatch Mughal-E-Azam this weekend. 🎬
K
Karthik V
Amazing to think one man's decision to leave his studies for Bombay created so many careers and gave us decades of entertainment. The Kapoor khandaan is an institution. But let's also remember the countless other pioneers from that era who don't have famous grandchildren to tell their stories.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50