Bobby 1973: Raj Kapoor’s Film That Made Rishi Kapoor a Superstar

Whenever the original romantic cinema zoner is mentioned in the history of Bollywood, the film 'Bobby' always resonates with audiences. Released in 1973, this film not only catapulted Raj Kapoor's career to a new level but also set a new trend for love stories in Hindi cinema. Bobby was an emotional portrayal of love, teenage feelings, and standing up against the social constraints of the 1970s youth. Interestingly, the making of this film is rife with numerous anecdotes, including the crew and the filming, that many people don't know about.

Raj Kapoor’s Bobby: From Debt to Box Office Success

Raj Kapoor's previous film, "Mera Naam Joker" (1970), may have resulted in significant losses, but these losses were the real reason for Bobby's birth. In fact, after Mera Naam Joker, Raj Kapoor wanted to make a romantic film with superstar Rajesh Khanna. However, because Mera Naam Joker flopped and Raj Kapoor was deeply in debt, he had no money to pay the superstars. To repay his debt, Raj Kapoor needed to make a film that would not require him to pay the actors much but would also have freshness and a direct connection with the young audience. With this thought in mind, Raj Kapoor signed his son Rishi Kapoor and a new girl, Dimple, as the leading pair.

The film was directed and produced by Raj Kapoor himself. Dimple Kapadia, who was only 14-15 years old when shooting began, gained such popularity with this role that even after her marriage, people still referred to her as "Bobby Girl." The film also featured Farida Jalal and Aruna Irani.

Bobby's music was composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, and lyrics were written by Anand Bakshi. The camerawork was by Radhu Karmakar, whose cinematography made each and every scene unforgettable. The film received five Filmfare Awards.

The film's story depicts the classic struggle between rich and poor. Raj Nath (Rishi Kapoor), the son of wealthy parents living in Mumbai, falls in love with Bobby Braganza (Dimple), a poor Goan Christian girl. But Raj's father, Ram Nath (Pran), and mother, Sushma (Sonia Sahni), stand in the way of their happiness. This love story, blossoming amidst societal constraints, parental stubbornness, and the pride of money, moved every viewer to tears. In the film, Bobby's father, Jack Braganza (Prem Nath), was humiliated at every step by Raj's father. Disheartened, Jack sends his daughter to his village in Goa. However, Raj meets Bobby there, and the two run away from their homes. Ram sets a trap to catch them. Bobby and Raj then attempt suicide by jumping into the river. Just then, Ram and Jack arrive and regain their composure. They rescue their children and finally allow them to marry.

Anand Bakshi's lyrics and Laxmikant-Pyarelal's magical music set the hearts of young people on fire in the 1970s with Bobby's songs. "Hum Tum Ek Kamre Mein Band Ho," "Main Shayar To Nahin," "Jhoot Bole Kauwa Kate,"

"Ankhiyon Ko Rehne De," "Beshak Mandir Masjid Dha Do," "Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai," "Ae Phasa," "Na Mangu Sona Chandi"—these songs remain popular even today.

The film was shot in Kashmir and Mumbai. In many scenes filmed at Dal Lake, the actors shivering in the cold were kept wrapped in blankets. As soon as the camera rolled, they were told, "Take off your sheets and sweaters, change into short clothes, smile, and romance." Rishi Kapoor and Dimple's confused yet innocent chemistry was perfectly suited to the atmosphere.

An interesting incident is that when Rishi Kapoor was singing "Main Shaayar Toh Nahin," he was nervous and started faltering during the shooting of that scene, and several takes were repeated. Raj Kapoor then scolded Rishi, asking, "Are you a hero or a child?" The story captured the true innocence between the anger and love.

The film was a smash hit upon its release. "Bobby" not only made Rishi Kapoor a superstar but also lifted Raj Kapoor out of financial crisis and brought him back to stardom.

It is said that "Bobby" is the film that made Bollywood attractive to young audiences again in the 70s.

• Dimple Kapadia married Rajesh Khanna during the film's shooting. This shocked audiences, but even after the marriage, people's craze for Bobby remained unchanged.
• During the shooting, Rishi Kapoor would tease Dimple because she was very nervous. But once, Raj Kapoor himself told her, "Don't be afraid, you are the life of this film."
• Raj Kapoor actually took the idea for the song "Jhoot Bole Kauwa Kate" from an old folk song.

Business reports say that Bobby changed the identity of Indian cinema abroad at that time. The film was a superhit, especially in Russia and Africa.

After this film, a flood of young love stories emerged in Hindi cinema. Films like "Ek Duje Ke Liye," "Love Story," and "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak" targeted the new generation. Another important thing was that this film showed that new faces and new characters could also create superstars.

Bobby became not just a film, but a culture.

The success of the film Bobby ensured Raj Kapoor and his family's financial security forever.

Prithviraj Kapoor was eager to see his son Raj Kapoor's Bobby succeed, but he died before its release.

Before making Bobby, Raj Kapoor asked his wife Krishna at the dinner table with his family, if he should cast Rishi Kapoor as the lead actor. When Krishna agreed, Rishi Kapoor left the meal and went to his room to practice signing autographs.

To raise funds for the film's production, Raj Kapoor had to mortgage his wife's jewelry.

The film first aired on Doordarshan on February 6, 1977.

Raj Kapoor recorded the song "Main Shaayar To Nahin" at a studio in Lower Parel, after which he hosted a party. Among the invitees were Shammi Kapoor and Feroz Khan. During a conversation, Feroz Khan made fun of Shammi's overgrown beard and weight, leading to a fight between the two at a party.

This film is listed as one of the top 20 highest-grossing Indian films.

While working on this film, Raj Kapoor read many teenage love stories and books about youth to understand the mindset of the younger generation.

The Chandan Cinema Hall in Juhu was inaugurated by Raj Kapoor with this film.

Reports suggest that Raj Kapoor initially wanted to cast Rekha's sister, Radha, a famous model in the 1970s, for the role of Bobby, but after she declined, Dimple was cast.

Rumors suggest that Dimple was pregnant during the song "Aksar Koi Ladki."

Many parts of Bobby were shot at the Kapoor family's bungalow in Rajbagh, where Raj Kapoor's memorial now stands inside the MIT World Peace University (MIT WPU) on the banks of the Mula-Mutha River in Loni Kalbhor village, 30 km east of Pune, Maharashtra.

Pran Sikand acted in "Bobby" after working with Raj Kapoor in "Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai." He refused to accept his fee for acting in "Bobby."

Metro Cinemas (Dhobitalao) in Mumbai, known for screening English films, began screening Hindi films with "Bobby."

Neetu Singh also auditioned for the film. Although she didn't get the role, she landed a role in the film "Rickshawala" (1973) opposite Rishi Kapoor's brother, Randhir Kapoor, that same year. She later became Rishi Kapoor's constant heroine, and the two eventually married in 1980.

Bobby had two endings. One that was written and filmed for this film: a happy ending and a sad ending. Director Raj Kapoor ultimately chose the happy ending.

When Raj Kapoor was a new actor, he once visited the home of writer/director/actress Jaddanbai. Her daughter, Nargis, was making pakodas. Nargis opened the door, moving her hair away from her face, resulting in gram flour smeared on her hair and forehead. This scene captivated Raj and he incorporated the gram flour incident into his film, Bobby.

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