During a heartwarming meeting between the Kapoor family and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the conversation took a playful turn when PM Modi teased Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan about not bringing their children, Taimur and Jeh, to the event.
Kapoor Family Invites PM Modi to Raj Kapoor’s 100th Anniversary Celebration
On December 10, 2024, Bollywood’s iconic Kapoor family, including Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Karisma Kapoor, and Neetu Kapoor, visited PM Modi’s residence in New Delhi. They extended a formal invitation to the Prime Minister to attend the upcoming Raj Kapoor 100 Film Festival, commemorating the legendary actor’s centennial birth anniversary.
A Meeting Filled with Gratitude and Nostalgia
During the meeting, Saif Ali Khan expressed his admiration for PM Modi, calling him the first Prime Minister he had met in person. He remarked:
“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.””
In response, PM Modi fondly recalled meeting Saif’s father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, and expressed his hope to meet the third generation of the Pataudi lineage. In a lighthearted quip, he said:
“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?”
The remark left everyone laughing, and Saif and Kareena explained that they had intended to bring their kids but couldn’t manage it this time. In a sweet gesture, PM Modi sent personalized autographs for Taimur and Jeh.
Honoring Raj Kapoor’s Legacy
The meeting also centered on celebrating Raj Kapoor’s monumental contribution to Indian cinema. Speaking about the iconic actor’s legacy, PM Modi said:
“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, running from December 13 to 15, 2024, will screen ten of his timeless classics, including Awara, Shree 420, and Mera Naam Joker, across 40 cities. The event aims to introduce his artistry to newer generations.
What are your thoughts on PM Modi’s playful remark and the Kapoor family’s celebration of Raj Kapoor’s legacy?
