Am I
getting older ? Why would I feel nostalgic and sad when I read the news about
Kapoors selling off the much coveted R.K. Studios ! Not only mine but
generation of my parents was mesmerized by the biggest Showman of Bollywood – none
other than Raj Kapoor. I was never a regular movie goer, leave aside to be the
one who used to pride for ‘First Day First Show’ label. ‘Bobby’ was released
just when I had first glimpse of moustaches on me and ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’ at the right time of my
youth. Since then, Raj Kapoor struck a chord with me. Later, when I studied in Mumbai
and used to travel to Pune frequently, often used to pass the famous R K Studio
with its iconic ‘couple holding each other’ picture on its entrance. What was
going on inside was always a matter of curiosity as it was about life of any
popular Bollywood superstar.
The
years passed by…..Raj Kapoor left for heavenly abode. But Kapoor khandaan
continued to be on the sets of Bollywood and screens – from Shashi Kapoor right
upto Kareena and Ranbir Kapoor. They were always a prime family of Bollywood as
I remember. Indian and overseas fans (Russians for Awara Hoon) always showered
their love and money for this family. May be we still owe for what this family
contributed to our society in the form of shear entertainment. On this
backdrop, the news of R.K. Studio which often created history through its popular
movies and its shooting there, now becoming a part of history itself has still
not sinking in well.
Agreed
that it is entirely Kapoor’s prerogative as to what they want to do and they do
of their property. Especially, when they say, it is beyond their capacity to
bear high cost of maintaining the studio and returns from it not inline with
expenses.
I
may be biased due to my stint in the UK on ideas on what should happen to this
studio. British (Europeans at large) are experts in preserving their history,
if not at recreating it. Practically in every town and village, one finds place
of historical significance. There is an excellent WW-II show, which not only
brings out the memories of the war but give us almost first-hand experience of
the same. I was lucky to have visited birthplace of Isaac Newton where the epic
apple tree still stands (I cannot say it stands tall – literally). The tree was
struck with lightening. It was grafted and bears the famous apples even today.
It is in a sheepish village of Woolsthorpe. Of course, it is one of the
Heritage sites of Britain. But apart from the tree and adjoining house where he
was born, the place is converted into Science Museum. This museum brings out
different phenomenon that we study in science, in a practical way. Brits have
meticulously preserved this great heritage of over three centuries. Why could
Kapoors (or Indians) not preserve their heritage of last three decades !
Kapoors
say they cannot afford its maintenance. May be true – may be not and I respect
the decision ! Infinite number of Indians thronged Kapoor movies when many of
them could not afford two meals a day. I wonder if Kapoors really find it so
tough to keep it going. From purely commercial point, it could be converted
into Bollywood museum and I am sure all those Indians who visit Coca Cola
museum and many such abroad will patronize ‘RK Museum’ too. It could actually
be as profitable as Raj Kapoor movies.
But alas – it is not in our DNA to preserve our glorious past. We are happy
naming streets and stadiums and airports with famous personalities but hardly
preserve their legacy. Maharashtra has more than couple of hundred forts of
Shivaji Maharaj era. We are content with giving his name to railway station and
airport, but not keen on refurbishing any of these forts – where every stone
and sidewalk has a story to narrate.
Eventually,
R K Studio will give way to a sky scrapper rising from the ground. The best or
the least could be it would bear the nameplate ‘R K Towers’. We are too focused
to build out future at the cost of our history - why blame Kapoors !
Suhas Pansare
