India changed since Raj Kapoor’s era but friendship remains: Putin
The world has witnessed significant changes over the years, and India is no exception. The country has undergone tremendous transformations, especially in terms of its economy, since the era of the legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor. However, despite these changes, one thing has remained constant – the friendship and shared commitment to cooperation between India and Russia. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin during his recent visit to India, where he invoked Raj Kapoor’s legacy to emphasize the enduring bond between the two nations.
Raj Kapoor, often referred to as the “Showman of Indian cinema,” was a renowned filmmaker, actor, and producer who made a significant contribution to Indian cinema. His films, such as ‘Awaara’ (1951), ‘Shree 420’ (1955), and ‘Mera Naam Joker’ (1970), were not only popular in India but also gained a massive following in other countries, including the USSR. The Soviet Union, as it was known back then, had a special affinity for Indian cinema, and Raj Kapoor’s films were among the most popular and widely watched.
Putin, during his visit to India, reminisced about the good old days when Raj Kapoor’s films were a rage in the USSR. He said, “India’s economy has changed dramatically since Raj Kapoor’s era, but one thing has remained constant: friendship and shared commitment to cooperation.” The Russian President’s statement highlights the strong foundation of the Indo-Russian friendship, which has withstood the test of time despite the changes that have taken place in both countries over the years.
The USSR, in particular, had a deep appreciation for Indian cinema, and Raj Kapoor’s films were among the most popular. ‘Awaara,’ for instance, was a massive hit in the Soviet Union, and its songs, such as “Awara Hoon,” became incredibly popular. The film’s success can be attributed to its universal themes of love, friendship, and social justice, which resonated with audiences across cultures.
The popularity of Indian cinema in the USSR was not limited to Raj Kapoor’s films alone. Other Indian films, such as ‘Mother India’ (1957) and ‘Bobby’ (1973), also gained a significant following in the Soviet Union. The Soviet government, in fact, actively promoted Indian cinema, and many Indian films were dubbed or subtitled in Russian and other local languages.
The friendship between India and Russia has been built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and cooperation. The two countries have a long history of diplomatic relations, which dates back to the early 20th century. Over the years, India and Russia have cooperated in various fields, including defense, space exploration, energy, and trade.
In recent years, the Indo-Russian relationship has gained significant momentum, with both countries engaging in various bilateral and multilateral initiatives. The two nations have cooperated on several key projects, including the development of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the construction of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu.
Putin’s visit to India and his reference to Raj Kapoor’s legacy are a testament to the strong bond between the two nations. The Russian President’s statement highlights the importance of people-to-people diplomacy and the role that cultural exchanges can play in strengthening bilateral relationships.
As India and Russia continue to navigate the complexities of the modern world, their friendship remains a constant factor. The two nations have a deep understanding of each other’s cultures, values, and interests, which has been built over decades of cooperation and mutual respect.
In conclusion, the friendship between India and Russia is a shining example of how two nations can come together and cooperate on a wide range of issues. Despite the changes that have taken place in India since Raj Kapoor’s era, the bond between the two countries remains strong. As Putin said, “India’s economy has changed dramatically since Raj Kapoor’s era, but one thing has remained constant: friendship and shared commitment to cooperation.”
The legacy of Raj Kapoor and the popularity of his films in the USSR serve as a reminder of the power of cultural diplomacy and the importance of people-to-people exchanges in building strong bilateral relationships. As India and Russia continue to work together on various initiatives, their friendship remains a constant source of strength and inspiration for both nations.
News source: https://x.com/DDNewslive/status/1997262500354744821
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