It was the celebration of 75 years of Indian Film industry, when Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association(IMPPA) which also completed 50 years since its formation, had organized a grand function at Royal Western India Turf Club, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai. There were stalwarts like Kidar Sharma, Raj kapoor, K.A. Abbas and few others, who were being felicitated. I had an opportunity to attend this function and also interacted with the great film maker Raj Kapoor , as he saw me offering a helping hand to Mr. K.A. Abbas, who was feeling little discomfort while moving towards the dais. He had then come forward to wish his writer friend and at the same time wished me, for this courtesy offered. At that time, I told him that I would take care of his favourite writer, up to the dais and he thanked me.
Raj kapoor’s special feelings for the great writer reminded me of their association in films like Awara, Shree 420, Jagate Raho, Mera Naam Joker &, Bobby.
That evening, Mr. Raj Kapoor looked tired and was lost in himself the next moment, when I saw him seated on the dais. I remember, I had also clicked his photo in that position, which was later published along with the news covered by me, on this event. At that time, he didn’t realize that veteran film maker Kidar Sharma, was seated next to him. In fact, it was Kidar Sharma , who offered Raj Kapoor his first break as an assistant director and later signed him for his film ‘Baware Nain’.
Looking at him from a close distance, I thought he wasn’t keeping well at that particular moment, because when the name of Mr. Kidar Sharma was announced to receive the honours, Mr. Raj Kapoor realized that he was seated next to him and immediately stood up and joined the audience to applaud his contribution to Hindi cinema. This was not the first time I was encountering this great film personality. Only few months before this event, I had met him when he attended the inauguration of Chembur Gymkhana Sports meet, only to please his old friend who was then President of this Gymkhana. I had attended that event too. However, after the IMPPA function, there was no third opportunity to meet this legend again. Very next year on 2nd June 1988 came the news about his sad demise. Now, after 30 years, it took me down memory lane to remember this legend and my close encounter with him.