Rishi Kapoor’s Early Film Career: From Shree 420 to Bobby

Rishi Kapoor, a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, first made his mark in the world of cinema through a series of iconic films. His journey began with a very young appearance in his father's classic hit Mera Naam Joker, followed by his first full-fledged role as a child in the same movie. His first lead role came in 1973 when he starred opposite Dimple Kapadia in the superhit film Bobby.

Early Appearance: Mera Naam Joker and Shree 420

Rishi Kapoor made his first ever film appearance in his father's 1955 film Shree 420. He was a mere child in the song Pyaar Hua Ikraar Hua. However, it was in 1970 that he had his first proper role, also in his father's film Mera Naam Joker. In this film, Rishi Kapoor played his father's character as a child. He received a National Film Award in the Child Actors category for this role.

Debut as a Lead Actor in Bobby

While Rishi Kapoor's first film appearance was in Mera Naam Joker, his debut as a lead actor came in the 1973 film Bobby. This film marked a significant milestone as it was a superhit and a huge success at the box office. Rishi Kapoor paired up with Dimple Kapadia, and the on-screen chemistry they shared won the hearts of the audience. The movie's success was so enormous that it became one of the biggest hits of the decade in India.

It is interesting to note that Rishi Kapoor's first lead role in a film was partly due to his father's vision. In a television interview in 2012, Rishi Kapoor himself mentioned that his father Raj Kapoor had planned to make a teenage love story but did not have the resources to cast a popular actor like Rajesh Khanna. As a result, he gave Rishi his debut as an adult protagonist in Bobby.

Cameos in Raj Kapoor’s Films

Before his lead role in Bobby, Rishi Kapoor also made a couple of cameo appearances in his father's films. These included small roles in Shree 420 and the iconic film Mera Naam Joker. Despite these cameo roles, Bobby remains a significant landmark in Rishi Kapoor's career as it introduced him to a wider audience as a full-fledged film star.

Conclusion

Rishi Kapoor's early film career laid the foundation for his illustrious journey in the Indian film industry. From playing a child in Mera Naam Joker to starring in the superhit Bobby, his progression in the industry is both inspiring and well-documented. These films not only marked the beginning of his career but also solidified his place in the hearts of the audiences.