Raj Kapoor, the iconic actor-director, brought global recognition to Indian cinema through his work. Revered for his acting and filmmaking, Raj Kapoor was also known for his kind nature and generosity. He maintained close friendships with many prominent figures in Bollywood, among them, Dilip Kumar. Their bond was so strong that a simple phone call from Dilip Kumar could summon Raj Kapoor from London back to India.
This intimate glimpse into their relationship came from Dilip Kumar’s wife, Saira Banu, who shared the details during an interview. Saira Banu compared the relationships among actors then and now, emphasizing the support and camaraderie that existed among the older generation. She noted that actors of the past shared each other’s ups and downs and dedicated time to their friendships, a contrast to the present.
Remembering her late husband, Saira Banu stated that Dilip Kumar and his contemporaries deeply respected one another. She added, “Dilip often organized get-togethers for fellow celebrities. Even if Raj Kapoor was in London, he would return to India on a single phone call from Dilip Kumar.”
A little-known fact is that Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar were childhood friends. Both were born in Peshawar (Pakistan), and their families knew each other. As children, they even played football together.
Both Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar are now deceased, with Raj Kapoor passing 36 years ago in 1988 and Dilip Kumar in July 2021 at the age of 98.