Rishi Kapoor No More: When The Legend Said, 'Ab Aagya Deejiye'

Rishi Kapoor's words 'Ab aagya deejiye' resonate in my ears today and when they were said on-screen, they were in my all-time favourite scene!

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Rishi Kapoor No More: When The Legend Said, 'Ab Aagya Deejiye'
Well, I have called a few of my colleagues around me in my 20 years of journalism and shown them this scene on my laptop at my work-station. And in fact, I was seeing it yesterday night too- when I heard that Rishi Kapoor was critical. 

I have always argued with friends that no one other than Rishi Kapoor could have pulled off that role in just one black trouser and white shirt. It was so simple on the face of it, but needed the actor to yet put in a lot of effort- an effort which you and I couldn't see because it was the natural Rishi Kapoor.



I have loved each and every song of this film but that's not the story. I am out here to tell you the scene which still gives me goose-flesh each time I see it.

I am talking about a scene from Raj Kapoor's Prem Rog. The lights in the area go off as he starts his journey from home to Shammi Kapoor's haveli to ask for Padmini Kolhapure's hand. Sitting in darkness, Shammi Kapoor tells him to elope with Padmini since he cannot get them married publicly as he's answerable to his subjects. However, Rishi argues that he won't- either he will lose the battle or win it (ismein ya toh haar hogi ya jeet). And the moment he says the word 'jeet', the lights come on! 

Rishi

Only Raj Kapoor could have got so symbolic. 

Adding on, only Shammi Kapoor could shake his hands to explain his turmoil that 'hum log dogli zindagi jeete hain'. Only Rishi Kapoor could have smiled so respectfully and said, 'Ab aagya deejiye'. 

Adieu, Rishi Kapoor. Dunno how many times I shall see that scene in my remaining years that I have on this planet.



image source:-instagram /rishi_kapoor_