Introduction
The personal life of legendary Bollywood actor and director Raj Kapoor has long been a subject of public fascination. In his memoir Khullam Khulla, Rishi Kapoor, Raj Kapoor’s son, provides insights into the family dynamics and fallout from his father’s affair with actress Vyjayanthimala.
Raj Kapoor’s Affair with Vyjayanthimala
Raj Kapoor, renowned for his contributions to Indian cinema with films like Sangam and Nazrana, faced personal turmoil during his affair with Vyjayanthimala. According to Rishi Kapoor’s account, this relationship significantly affected the Kapoor family. When the affair came to light, Krishna Raj Kapoor, Raj’s wife, took their children and moved out of their family home. They initially stayed at the Natraj Hotel on Marine Drive and later relocated to an apartment in Chitrakoot, which Raj Kapoor had purchased in an effort to make amends.
Vyjayanthimala’s Denial and Rishi Kapoor’s Reaction
Vyjayanthimala has previously denied the affair, suggesting that Raj Kapoor may have fabricated the romance for publicity. Rishi Kapoor, in his memoir, expressed his discontent with this denial. He criticized Vyjayanthimala for dismissing the affair, which he felt was a misrepresentation of the truth. Rishi’s frustration was compounded by the fact that his father was no longer alive to respond to these claims.
Family Response and Reconciliation
Despite the upheaval, Rishi Kapoor acknowledges that Raj Kapoor made significant efforts to repair his relationship with Krishna Raj Kapoor. The family’s temporary displacement and the subsequent reconciliation reflect the personal struggles that accompanied Raj Kapoor’s public success. Rishi Kapoor’s reflections highlight how such personal challenges were managed within the public eye.
Conclusion
Rishi Kapoor’s memoir provides a personal perspective on the impact of Raj Kapoor’s affair with Vyjayanthimala. It offers a glimpse into the complexities of managing personal relationships amid public scrutiny and how the Kapoor family navigated these turbulent times.
