The Kapoor clan recently arrived at New Delhi to meet Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and make a special invitation for him to celebrate the 100th anniversary of legendary actor, Raj Kapoor. Ahead of the much-anticipated Raj Kapoor 100 Film Festival, the Kapoors extended a formal invitation to PM Modi to join the event, while the meeting quickly turned into a delightful conversation filled with nostalgic anecdotes and a lighthearted quip from the Prime Minister. At one point, PM Modi questioned Saif and Kareena about the absence of the third-generation Pataudis.
On December 10, 2024, the Kapoor royalty jetted off to Delhi to meet the Prime Minister of India, to send a formal invitation to Narendra Modi to attend the upcoming event honouring the legacy of Raj Kapoor’s 100th birth anniversary. The meeting saw Bollywood royalty, including Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Karisma Kapoor, and Neetu Kapoor, coming together with the nation’s leader.
During the meeting, Saif Ali Khan expressed his gratitude, saying PM Modi was the first Prime Minister he had met in person. He was heard saying:
“Aap pehle Pradhan Mantri hai jisse main mila hoon. Aur aapne aankhon mein aankh milake, personally humse mile and do baar mile hai. Aap mein itni achi energy hai aur aap itni mehnat karte hai. Aur aap jo karte hai, main aapko congratulate karna chahta hoon.”
PM Modi responded to Saif’s words by recalling the time he met Saif’s father, Monsoon Ali Khan Pataudi. On the same note, he also expressed the desire to meet the next generation of their lineage, Taimur and Jeh. PM Modi can be quoted as saying:
“Main aapke pitaji ko mila hoon aur main soch raha tha ke aaj mujhe teen peedi ko milne ka mauka milega. Lekin aap laaye nahi teesri peedhi ko?”
PM Modi’s quip generated laughter from the attending Kapoors, and Saif-Kareena chimed in, saying that they wanted to bring their kids to Delhi, but they could not make it this time. In a heartfelt gesture, the prime minister sent personalised autographs for the youngest Pataudis.
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All playful banter aside, the main purpose of the meet was to honour the towering legacy of Raj Kapoor, popularly regarded as the Showman of Bollywood. Talking about the legendary actor’s 100th birth anniversary, Narendra Modi shared:
"Raj Kapoor's 100th birthday is an important milestone of Indian cinema's golden journey. It began with 1947's 'Neel Kamal' and we are on course to 2047. It is such a contribution to the country when we look back at this journey of 100 years… In the diplomatic world, we talk a lot about soft power. And at a time when this phrase didn't even exist, Raj Kapoor Sahab established India's soft power all over the world. It was his big service to India.”
The Raj Kapoor 100 Film Festival, which runs from December 13 to 15, 2024, will showcase 10 of his iconic films across 40 cities, bringing his timeless artistry to newer generations. Some of his iconic and rare films, including Aag, Barsaat, Awara, Shree 420, and Mera Naam Joker are among the classics that will be screened at the festival.
What do you think about PM Modi’s playful quip about Taimur and Jeh?
Also Read: PM Modi Shares A Laugh As Raj Kapoor's Daughter, Reema Fumbles To Say 'Adarniya Pradhan Mantri'
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