Copyright india
The name Prithviraj Kapoor is enough. Who doesnt know him? He is a renowned figure in Indian cinema and films whose powerful dialogue delivery made even the best actors pale in comparison. This is the story of Prithviraj Kapoor a man with a powerful voice and tremendous acting abilities who strengthened the film industry with his acting. Born on November 3 1906 in Punjab (present-day Faisalabad Pakistan) in undivided India Prithviraj Kapoor was passionate about acting from a young age. When the educated and handsome young man reached the film city of Bombay (now Mumbai) he quickly began playing the role of a hero immediately after playing a supporting actor. Journey from Theatre to Films He made his mark even during the silent film era demonstrating his talent with even the smallest of his later performances. Prithviraj Kapoor began his acting career in theatre. Whether it was his first talking film Alam Ara or films like President or Dushman with K.L. Saigal Prithviraj Kapoor was always recognized for his unique style and powerful voice. Those who knew him called him Papaji perhaps because he was helpful to everyone and often spoke up for junior artists. The Struggles Behind Prithvi Theatres But theres also an episode in his life when he used to stand outside theaters with a bag in his hand. Prithviraj Kapoor started Prithvi Theatres in 1944. As difficult as the journey to reach here was the challenges of keeping the theater afloat were even greater as Prithviraj had risked everything for it. His earnings werent enough to make a decent living. Any income hed have had would have been devoted to his theater work. The challenges were as vast as a mountain and to survive Prithviraj took up a fakirs bag. When people left the theater after a show Prithviraj would stand there holding the bag. Those leaving would put some money in it. Newspapers often mention this story about Prithviraj Kapoor. Legacy of Prithvi Theatres Prithvi Theatres operated for 16 years until 1960. 2662 shows were performed over 5982 days. Prithviraj Kapoor played the lead role in every single show an average of one show every three days. However in 1960 due to Prithviraj Kapoors failing health the theatre had to close. Prithviraj Kapoor passed away on May 29 1971. Awards and Recognition Prithviraj Kapoor was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Hindi cinemas highest award in 1972 for his significant contributions to cinema and theatre. However he had already received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1954 and 1956 and the Padma Bhushan from the Government of India in 1969.
