In a rich haul, the National Film Archives of India (NFAI), Pune, has acquired the original negatives of all the RK Studios films, from Aag (1948) to Aa Ab Laut Chalein (1999). The number of the priceless collection of films/negatives is pegged at 23, which also includes the Bengali version of the 1956 RK film Jaagte Raho, called Ek Din Ratre .
They are likely to transferred to the NFAI on Monday, January 8.
However, a symbolic handing over by actor-filmmaker and Raj Kapoor’s eldest son, Randhir Kapoor, will take place later, on January 11, at the inauguration of the Pune International Film Festival. His brother, actor-filmmaker Rishi Kapoor is also likely to attend the function.
NFAI will be screening Rishi Kapoor’s Bobby (1973) apart from Mera Naam Joker (1970), Sangam (1964), Shri 420 (1955) and Aag (1948) as a part of Special Focus on Raj Kapoor during PIFF. An exhibition of film posters from RK Films at NFAI will also be organised during the festival.
A poster from 'Shree 420', starring Raj Kapoor and Nargis.
“The big thing is that we have got the original negatives, the best source and ideal format for long term preservation of a films in terms of picture and sound quality,” said NFAI director Prakash Magdum, adding, “We are thankful to the Kapoor family for entrusting NFAI with this prestigious collection so that it can be preserved for future generations.”
The NFAI had been in talks with the Kapoors for over a month and Randhir Kapoor is said to have visited the NFAI last month to inspect the vaults and storage facilities.
A fire in September last year, during the shoot of a TV show, had gutted the historic Stage 1 of RK Studios leading to irreparable loss of priceless memorabilia and artefacts. The costumes of all RK Films had also been reduced to ashes in the blaze. The only silver lining was that these negatives of the RK films, housed in another building, remained unscathed.
