📌 Key Points
- Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana promotions begin with a ‘Rama glimpse’ unveiling Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama.
- The first major Ramayana talkie adaptation starred Prithviraj Kapoor, Ranbir’s grandfather.
- Durga Khote, a leading character artist, debuted outside Marathi cinema in the film.
- Prithviraj Kapoor and Durga Khote reunited in ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ after 26 years.
As Ranbir Kapoor prepares to portray Lord Rama, a look back reveals that his grandfather, Prithviraj Kapoor, starred in Bollywood’s first major Ramayana adaptation. This acclaimed film, featuring Durga Khote, marked a significant moment in Indian cinema history and the Kapoor family’s legacy.
Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Rama Glimpse’ Unveiling
The promotions for Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana are set to begin in full swing with the unveiling of the ‘Rama glimpse’ tomorrow (April 2). The teaser will give the first look at Ranbir Kapoor as he becomes the latest Indian actor to take on the role of Lord Rama. In the hundred years of Indian cinema, dozens of films have been made on the epic with countless actors portraying Lord Rama. And in a curious twist of fate, the first major adaptation of Ramayana as a talkie also starred a Kapoor. The acclaimed film was a box office and critical success, launching several careers.
Prithviraj Kapoor: Bollywood’s First Lord Rama
The film starred a young Durga Khote in the lead role in her first appearance outside Marathi cinema. Durga would go on to establish herself as a leading character artist in Bollywood, appearing in films like Mughal-e-Azam, Bobby, Karz, and Abhimaan.
Durga Khote’s Landmark Role in Ramayana Adaptation
The two actors were the first from the Kapoor family to enter films. Prithviraj’s sons Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, and Shashi Kapoor would go on to be superstars in their own right. Ranbir, the newest Lord Rama, is Raj Kapoor’s grandson. Prithviraj was himself a noted film and theatre artist, known for establishing the Prithvi Theatre and appearing in iconic films like Sikandar, Mughal-e-Azam, and Awara. In Mughal-e-Azam, he and Durga Khote reunited after 26 years to play husband and wife yet again.
From Prithviraj to Ranbir, the Kapoor family’s legacy continues with the Ramayana. The upcoming film revives a cinematic tradition, echoing the success of the first major adaptation that starred a Kapoor, highlighting the enduring appeal of the epic tale.
