The legacy of Prithviraj Kapoor (Raj Kapoor) has been succeeded by three generations starting with Shammi, Shashi and Raj Kapoor. Raj’s sons Randhir, Rishi and Rajiv Kapoor enjoyed success in the industry and his grandchildren Ranbir, Kareena and Karishma Kapoor have subsequently carried on the Kapoor tradition of brilliant artistry and super stardom. The family shared sentiments regarding the retrospective and pledged to be a part of the tribute event in Canada, come June 2011.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Randhir Kapoor said, “I am very touched by this gesture and would like to thank IIFA and TIFF for honouring the legacy of our father who lived for his work and who lives on through his work. He is a true legend and I believe that this retrospective is a great way to honour his memory.”

Rishi Kapoor added, “Our father was a great man both in his personal and professional life. His passion and love for cinema shines through in all his movies and he has made a place for himself in the hearts of cinema lovers all over India. I’m thrilled about this retrospective of his work and cannot wait to see it. He has always been a true inspiration for me.”

With a career spanning over five decades, Raj Kapoor achieved phenomenal success and became the youngest director of his time at age 24 when he opened his own studio, RK Films. Aptly called ‘The Showman of the Millenium’, Raj Kapoor won several awards and was nominated for the Palme D’or at the Cannes Film Festival which is the highest honour awarded to competing films at the festival. He was also awarded the Padma Bhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contributions to Indian Cinema. It is the magnitude of his accomplishments and the impact that he’s had on the world of cinema that this tribute aims to portray.

Cinema lovers will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to relive the magic of the legend’s films during this tribute and retrospective that will begin on 26th June at TIFF Bell Lightbox, a state-of-the-art complex devoted to the appreciation of cinema in Toronto. Raj Kapoor and the Golden Age of Indian Cinema will feature 15 iconic Raj Kapoor classics including Aag, Barsaat, Awara, Aah, Boot Polish, Shree 420, Jagte Raho, Jis Des Mein Ganga Behti Hai, Sangam, Mera Naam Joker, Kal Aaj Aur Kal, Bobby, Satyam Shivam Sundaram and others.

Several pieces of memorabilia from Raj Kapoor films like costumes, cut-outs and props used during the films will be displayed in the TIFF Bell Lightbox atrium beginning early June. A series of paintings inspired by Raj Kapoor films by acclaimed Goa-based artist Seema Sardesai will also be showcased in the building.

For more information, visit www.tiff.net