Raj Kapoor, the legendary Bollywood filmmaker and actor, left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. However, his personal life was marred by a tumultuous love affair with actress Nargis that has become the stuff of Bollywood legend.
The duo’s whirlwind romance began on the sets of Shree 420 in 1955, when Nargis was just 16 years old. Despite being married to Krishna Raj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor and Nargis’ relationship blossomed, and they remained deeply in love for seven long years. Their romance was filled with passion and intensity, but it could not survive the test of time.
Raj Kapoor’s refusal to divorce Krishna and marry Nargis led to their eventual parting of ways. Nargis, determined to marry Raj, even sought the advice of India’s then Home Minister Morarji Desai to explore legal options for their marriage. However, Raj was reluctant about leaving his wife. Nargis eventually moved on and married Sunil Dutt in March 1958.
While she started a new life, Raj Kapoor was devastated by it. He felt betrayed and heartbroken by the news. According to Madhu Jain’s book, The Kapoor: The First Film Family of Indian Cinema, Raj felt cheated when Nargis married Dutt. He burnt himself with cigarette butts and turned to heavy drinking, which took a toll on his family.
Krishna Raj Kapoor, Raj’s wife, also recalled that turbulent phase in an interview with author Bunny Reuben. She spoke about how Raj would come home drunk every night, collapse in the bathtub, and cry out for Nargis.
Despite the heartbreak and turmoil, Raj Kapoor continued to create iconic films that captivated audiences worldwide. His legacy as a filmmaker and actor remains unparalleled, but his personal life serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges of love and relationships.
