The name itself has such an effect on everyone in the industry and beyond... Prithviraj Kapoor- the name that carries an aura, a sense of power... It is the birthday of this legend and had he been with us, he would've been 105 years old.
Prithviraj Kapoor, born on November 3, 1906 in Punjab, got his training in theatre right from his childhood. A professor at his college who was in love with a theatre-loving lady, found this boy to act in many of their plays. He did his B.A., he even studied Law but his heart was in theatre. His debut wasn't a big superstar role, in fact, he debuted as a supporting artist but was soon promoted as a lead actor by the time he did his third film, Cinema Girl in 1930. After featuring in nine silent films, Kapoor did a supporting role in India's first film talkie, Alam Ara in 1931. But films didn't deter him or make him lose his interest in theatre.
In 1944, Prithviraj had the standing to find his own theatre group, Prithvi Theatres, a travelling theatre company. The premiere performance under Prithvi Theatres was, Kalidasa's "Shakuntala" in 1944. Many of the fine actors and technicians that Prithvi Theatres nurtured found their way to the movies, including his own sons. After a few years he became less active in theatre and started accepting film offers. It was during this period that he gave successful films including Mughal-E-Azam in 1960 where he gave one of his most memorable performance as the Mughal emperor Akbar
There is no doubt that he was a legend and he received a lot of recognition, fame & respect for his contribution to cinema and theatre. In 1996, the 'Golden Jubilee year' of the founding of Prithvi Theatre, India Post issued a special Two Rupee, 'commemorative' postage stamp in New Delhi which featured the logo of Prithvi Theatre 1945-1995 and an image of its founder 'Prithviraj Kapoor'. In 1954, he was awarded the Sangeet Natak Academy Fellowship and in 1969, the Padma Bhushan by the government of India. He remained a Nominated Rajya Sabha Member for eight years.
At 17, Prithviraj married the 14-year-old Ramsarni Mehra, in a match that was arranged by their families. The Kapoor family has since been ruling Bollywood for four generations starting from Prithviraj Kapoor.
The legend passed away but left behind a legacy. Fridaymoviez wishes Prithviraj Kapoor a very Happy Birthday!