Mumbai’s cinematic legacy got a delightful boost back in 1985 with Raj Kapoor’s directorial gem ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’. Starring Mandakini and Rajiv Kapoor, the film swept audiences off their feet, but it was the soundtrack that truly enchanted everyone. Even today, tracks from the movie dominate playlists, with ‘Ek Radha Ek Meera’ standing as an immortal classic.
On the occasion of Randhir Kapoor’s birthday, the veteran actor shared a heartwarming anecdote on ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’ about his father Raj Kapoor and the legendary music director Ravindra Jain. It all unfolded during an event in Delhi where Randhir accompanied his father. Ravindra Jain took the stage and began singing the opening lines: ‘Ek Radha, ek Meera, dono ne Shyam ko chaha.’
The melody was so mesmerizing that Raj Kapoor was instantly hooked. He exclaimed in awe, and the entire audience erupted in applause. Still buzzing with excitement, Raj ji requested, ‘Daddu (Ravindra’s affectionate nickname), sing it once more.’ Jain obliged, and the claps rang out again. When Raj Kapoor inquired about the song’s origin, Jain revealed it was his private composition. Without missing a beat, Raj declared, ‘This song is mine now!’
In a playful twist, Jain hopped off the stage and sat on Raj’s lap, prompting a jovial retort: ‘Go play your music, what are you doing here?’ But the story didn’t end there. The next evening, Raj instructed Randhir to prepare for a small gathering at home. Instruments like tabla, sitar, and sarangi were set up as Raj arrived with Ravindra Jain in tow.
Raj commanded, ‘Daddu, sing my song for the kids.’ As the tune filled the air once more, Randhir thought to himself, ‘I’ve heard this fifty times; now it’s the fifty-first.’ When it concluded, Raj turned to his son: ‘Bring the chequebook. Make out a 25,000 cheque to Ravindra Jain.’ Randhir handed it over, and tears of joy streamed down Jain’s face. ‘Raj Kapoor is taking me into his film,’ he exclaimed, eager to call his wife.
Days later, Raj whisked Jain and musicians to Pune, returning triumphant. ‘You’ll be thrilled,’ he announced. ‘I’ve composed the entire music for ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’ in just four days.’ Every song was a masterpiece. When Randhir probed about the storyline, Raj revealed it was inspired by ‘Ek Radha Ek Meera’ itself—a tale of purity turning to tarnish, mirroring the Ganges’ journey from mountains to plains, much like human innocence lost in the world’s corruptions.
This anecdote underscores Raj Kapoor’s genius for spotting magic and weaving it into cinematic gold, ensuring ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’ remains a timeless treasure.