Kapoor, renowned filmmaker Raj Kapoor remained faithful to his wife Krishna, despite rumors of an affair with actress Nargis, due to...
In the golden era of Indian cinema, the romantic affair between Raj Kapoor and Nargis, two of Bollywood's most iconic actors, became a captivating tale. Their relationship, which began during the filming of "Shree 420" in 1955, was marked by its intensity and its impact on their personal lives[1][2].
### The Blossoming of a Romance
The sets of "Shree 420" served as the backdrop for the budding romance between Raj Kapoor and Nargis. At the time, Raj Kapoor was already a married man, having tied the knot with Krishna Raj Kapoor in 1946[1][3]. Despite this, the chemistry between the two actors was undeniable, and their relationship continued to develop on and off-screen.
Their romance was celebrated in several films, including "Awara" and "Jagte Raho," where their on-screen chemistry was as magnetic as their real-life connection[1][3]. Their last screen appearance together was in "Jagte Raho," released in 1956.
### The Unspoken Truth
The affair between Raj Kapoor and Nargis is a well-documented part of Indian cinema history, though they never publicly acknowledged the details of their relationship. Rishi Kapoor, Raj Kapoor's son, confirmed in his autobiography "Khullam Khulla" that his father had an affair with Nargis, but he did not delve into the specifics[3].
### The Impact on Personal Lives
- **Raj Kapoor's Marriage**: The affair likely created tension in Raj Kapoor's marriage to Krishna Raj Kapoor. However, the marriage endured, and Raj Kapoor remained devoted to his family throughout his life[3]. - **Nargis's Life**: Nargis eventually married Sunil Dutt in 1958 after meeting him on the sets of "Mother India." Her life took a different path, and she distanced herself from the turmoil of her past relationship with Raj Kapoor. Nargis passed away in 1981[4].
### The Legacy of a Love Story
The relationship between Raj Kapoor and Nargis has become a part of Bollywood lore, symbolizing the passion and creativity of the era. Their collaboration continues to inspire filmmakers and actors alike. Raj Kapoor, who was often referred to as the "greatest showman," drew a clear line between his wife Krishna and his actresses, including Nargis.
Raj Kapoor considered Nargis to have contributed significantly to the success of RK Studio. Despite his affair with Nargis, he remained faithful to his wife and family, a testament to his complex and multifaceted personality.
In a documentary produced by Prasar Bharti, Raj Kapoor spoke about his affair with Nargis, referring to her as "the actress." He was deeply affected by Nargis's marriage to Sunil Dutt, an event he saw as a betrayal[1]. However, the affair did not diminish his love for Nargis, who he believed had played a crucial role in his cinematic journey.
[1] The Kapoors: The First Family of Indian Cinema [2] Suresh Kohli's interviews with Raj Kapoor [3] Rishi Kapoor's Autobiography: Khullam Khulla [4] Nargis: The Magnificent Star by Deepa Gahlot
- The affair between Raj Kapoor and Nargis, two of Bollywood's most iconic actors, had a significant impact on Indian entertainment and pop-culture, even though it was never publicly acknowledged.
- Their relationship, which began during the filming of "Shree 420" in 1955, influenced several films, showcasing their magnetic on-screen chemistry and contributing to the success of Raj Kapoor's career.
- The sets of "Jagte Raho," their last film together, served as a memorable backdrop for their romance, reflecting the intensity and passion that marked their love story, a tale deeply rooted in the golden era of Indian cinema.
