Far away from the arc lights of Mumbai, there is another showman named Raj Kapoor — a young Indian-American who is on the Oscars production team in Hollywood. His company, Raj Kapoor Productions, is designing the screen content and performances for the big night tomorrow.
But quite often, his calling card is his name. In fact, when this Kapoor travels, especially in Russia and Afghanistan, he is asked if he’s related to the famous RK. “I’ve watched his (actor Raj Kapoor’s) movies and it’s nice to be associated with his name,” he admits.
Glitz and glamour
The son of two New Delhi schoolteachers, he grew up in Alberta, on a steady diet of music videos, award shows and Bollywood films. Starting out as a dancer and choreographer, he got his big break in show production with American Idol and Dancing with the Stars .
Kapoor worked with producer-director Kenneth Ehrlich on five editions of the Grammy Awards (from 54th-58th) as segment producer, creative consultant and video producer. His small boutique company has also mounted the large-scale tours of Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill and Soul 2 Soul, and created Las Vegas shows for Backstreet Boys and Mariah Carey.
Taking names
Having worked on projects for many Hollywood celebrities, including Michael Jackson, Eminem and Rihanna, his recent work includes Sinatra 100 Special, 60th ABC Primetime Special, Radio Disney Music Awards and One Republic’s World tour 2017.
This Sunday, all eyes will be on the glitter and glamour of the 89th Academy Awards, and Kapoor will be backstage with the other wizards of the production team, unseen and unheard, creating the romance and magic of Hollywood for millions of viewers. “Utilising the latest technology and visuals, we’ve designed spectacular three-dimensional theatrical experiences that will celebrate the power of unforgettable entertainment,” he says.
Lavina Melwani is a New York-based journalist who blogs at Lassi with Lavina. Follow @lavinamelwani
