From being a clapper boy to making a breakthrough in Neel Kamal: Check out these lesser-known facts about late legendary actor Raj Kapoor

Raj Kapoor's early life

Raj’s given name was Ranbir. He was born on 14 December 1924 in Peshawar into a Punjabi Khatru family. Raj was used as a middle name by him and his brother Shammi and Shashi. He was the oldest of Prithviraj and Ramsarni Kapoor's six children, two of whom passed away in infancy.

Raj Kapoor's entry into the industry

When Raj was only 10 years old, he made his debut on the big screen in the 1945 movie Inquilab. He began his career working as a clapper boy on the Kidar Sharma-directed film Vishkanya. Even as a clapper boy, Raj Kapoor made an effort to seem well-groomed and frequently posed for photographs.

Raj Kapoor's big breakthrough

Raj made his acting debut with Inquilab in 1935 but got his major breakthrough with Neel Kamal in 1947 alongside Madhubala in lead roles. It features the story of two royal sisters played by Madhubala and Begum Para and their shared adoration for the conceited artist that ultimately causes the younger sister to commit suicide.

Raj Kapoor as a director

At age 24, Raj Kapoor broke the record for being the youngest director and founded his own studio, R. K. Films, in 1948. Before that, he aspired to be a music director. Aag served as his directing debut, and Andaz served as his first significant acting accomplishment (1949). Barsaat, which he produced, directed, and starred in, was his first successful project that year.

Raj Kapoor's last project Henna

Henna, Raj Kapoor's final picture, was left unfinished when he passed away (1988), but Randhir Kapoor finished it and it was a big commercial success.

Raj Kapoor's ambitious project- Mera Naam Joker

Mera Naam Joker, his most ambitious picture, failed to find commercial success, leaving him devastated and unstable financially. But the movie was dubbed a misunderstood classic many years afterwards. The movie lasted for five hours, including two breaks. He spent six years making Mera Naam Joker, which he also produced and acted in.

Raj Kapoor's demise

Raj Kapoor was taken to AIIMS for treatment after collapsing before the ceremony where he was to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. He spent about a month in the hospital before passing away from complications brought on by asthma.