Raj Kapoor was a showman and a great filmmaker. His movies had certain stories to narrate and social messages to impart. Under his RK Banner, he always made socialist movies. The filmmaker was aware of the social situations around him. This was the time when India became a newly independent nation which came with its share of challenges. RK's movies became a medium to project the plight of the common man on the big screen. On his birth anniversary today, let's talk about five movies that were all about the 'Common Man'. Raj Kapoor Birth Anniversary Special: Five Milestones Of The Showman Of Bollywood Gave That Beautified Indian Cinema.

Awaara

India was four years into its independence and Kapoor came out with Awaara. It is essentially a love story but has palpable socio-political elements in it. It highlighted the widening divide between the rich and poor of society and the sacrifices you need to make your dream come.

Shree 420

What money can bring you apart from riches? Illusions. Raj Kapoor plays Raju, who loses all his naivety and innocence at the altar of a quick money-making scheme. When poverty gets the better of you, life tempts you with quick gains. Shree 420 is all about the choices and their consequences which is relevant still today.

Jaagte Raho 

All That Glitters Is Not Gold seems to be the memo here. Raj Kapoor plays a villager, yes, he doesn't have a name here because he is called a thief in the better part of the film. This movie sheds off the veil the rich wear to project their prim and perfect life to others. But in the end, it is all a show as nothing is what it seems in their house.

Anari

A good person gets imprisoned and how his good deeds help him get released, forms the crux of this movie. Raj Kapoor played the innocent man with utmost conviction and proved that good always follows kind. Raj Kapoor Birth Anniversary: Did You Know The Legendary Actor Played A Joker Much Before Mera Naam Joker But It Never Released? (Watch Video).

Boot Polish

Boot Polish competed at Cannes' for the Palm De 'Or award, so you can imagine how important this film is. It explores the side where poverty doesn't even spare the little kids. But like every Raj Kapoor, this has a happy ending too.

 

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 14, 2022 08:10 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).