Nargis And Padmini Were The Lifelines Of Raj Kapoor… Part 3

Legendary Partnerships

Raj Kapoor was smitten with Nargis for 16 years, collaborating with her on multiple films that showcased her as the lead actress Their most notable work includes Awara, Shree 420, Ashiana, and Barsaat.  It was in 1957 when Nargis got a fantastic opportunity to star in Mehboob Khan’s Mother India that would give her the most iconic role of her career. Nargis expressed deep interest in doing Mother India and informed Raj Kapoor about the same.

Raj Kapoor and Nargis

Raj Kapoor was unhappy when Nargis left RK Banner to work with other production houses. Nargis stuck to her decision and exited RK camp. The news devastated Raj Kapoor, deteriorating his health, and he subsequently refused to direct another film. During a brief visit to Moscow to attend the Karlovy Vary International Film Award function, Raj Kapoor witnessed the Moscow Youth Festival, where a girl called Padmini won the best classical dancer prize.

Legendary Partnerships

She caught his attention with her charm and grace. Coincidentally staying in the same hotel gave them a chance to get to know each other better. Padmini cared for Raj Kapoor during his illness, and he cast her in Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai, capturing her beauty on screen, which sparked his obsession. with the drenched saree. He cast her once again in his magnum opus, Mera Naam Joker (1970), where the saree-clad actress dowses in water.