India changed since Raj Kapoor’s era but friendship remains: Putin
The world has witnessed significant changes over the years, with nations rising and falling, economies booming and busting, and cultures evolving. However, amidst all these changes, some things remain constant, and the friendship between India and Russia is one such example. Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during his visit to India, invoked the legacy of the legendary Indian filmmaker Raj Kapoor to emphasize the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Putin’s statement, “India’s economy has changed dramatically since Raj Kapoor’s era, but one thing has remained constant: friendship and shared commitment to cooperation,” highlights the strong bond between India and Russia. This bond has been strengthened over the years through cultural, economic, and strategic partnerships. The reference to Raj Kapoor’s era is particularly significant, as his films were immensely popular in the USSR, and he remains a cultural icon in Russia to this day.
Raj Kapoor, known as the “Showman” of Indian cinema, was a pioneer of Indian filmmaking, and his movies continue to be celebrated for their universal themes, memorable characters, and catchy music. Films like ‘Awaara’ (1951), ‘Shree 420’ (1955), and ‘Mera Naam Joker’ (1970) were not only huge hits in India but also gained a massive following in the Soviet Union. The USSR’s love for Raj Kapoor’s films was not limited to the masses; even the Soviet leaders were fans of his work. In fact, Raj Kapoor was awarded the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1987, and the Soviet Union honored him with the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 1985.
The popularity of Raj Kapoor’s films in the USSR can be attributed to their universal themes, which transcended linguistic and cultural barriers. His movies often dealt with social issues, such as poverty, inequality, and the struggle for justice, which resonated with the Soviet audience. The music and dance in his films, which were an integral part of Indian cinema, also found a special place in the hearts of the Soviet people. The iconic song “Awaara Hoon” from the film ‘Awaara’ became an anthem in the USSR, and its tune is still recognizable in Russia today.
Putin’s reference to Raj Kapoor’s era is not just a nostalgic nod to the past but also a testament to the enduring cultural ties between India and Russia. The two nations have a long history of cooperation in various fields, including science, technology, space exploration, and defense. The Soviet Union was one of the first countries to recognize India’s independence in 1947, and since then, the two nations have enjoyed a strong and strategic partnership.
In recent years, India and Russia have strengthened their economic ties, with bilateral trade reaching new heights. Russia has been one of India’s largest trading partners, and the two countries have collaborated on several major projects, including the production of BrahMos missiles and the development of nuclear power plants. The two nations have also cooperated on regional and global issues, such as counter-terrorism, non-proliferation, and climate change.
The friendship between India and Russia is not limited to the government level; it is also reflected in the people-to-people connections between the two nations. Many Indians have studied in Russian universities, and Russian students have come to India to pursue higher education. The two countries have also collaborated on cultural projects, such as film festivals, dance performances, and literary events.
In conclusion, the statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin, “India’s economy has changed dramatically since Raj Kapoor’s era, but one thing has remained constant: friendship and shared commitment to cooperation,” highlights the enduring bond between India and Russia. The cultural ties between the two nations, which were strengthened by the popularity of Raj Kapoor’s films in the USSR, continue to play an important role in their bilateral relations. As India and Russia look to the future, they can build on their historical friendship and cooperation to address the challenges of the 21st century and create new opportunities for mutual growth and development.
News Source: https://x.com/DDNewslive/status/1997262500354744821
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