Randhir Kapoor reveals why Kapoor’s have put RK Studio on sale
It was earlier when news came out that the iconic Raj Kapoor Studio has been put on sale, making fans devastated all around the world. But the eldest son of Raj Kapoor, Randir Kapoor finally shares the reasons for taking that decision. “It has to be sold as no actor comes here to shoot anymore”, says Randhir Kapoor.
While talking to the local daily, Randhir Kapoor described the sale of RK Studio has left the family sad and heavy heart, but it was not feasible anymore for them to set up a new studio. “With the state of the roads and traffic today, no actor comes to Chembur to shoot in this studio. They would rather go to Film City. So, with a very heavy heart, we have decided to let it go. My whole family is very sad, but there’s no other way,” he said.
The family took the decision to sell the property collectively, shares Randhir Kapoor, adding details about the decision taken, “For a while, we did juggle with the idea of renovating the place with state-of-the-art technology. However, in reality it isn’t always possible for a phoenix to rise from the ashes. We Kapoors are very emotional lot but then…”.
He further added, “The investment in rebuilding the studio would just not have yielded sufficient revenue to keep it going. Believe me, we had to take the larger picture into account and take a level-headed decision. Even before the fire, for years R. K. Studio had become a huge white elephant, toting up losses. The few bookings we would get from films, TV serials and ad shoots would expect free parking space, air-conditioning and discounts”.
RK Films has produced films like Barsaat in1949, Awaara in 1951, Boot Polish in1954, Shri 420 in1955 and Jaagte Raho in1956, which all starred legendary Raj Kapoor in the most iconic characters ever played in Indian cinema. RK Studios went up for sale after it was gutted in a massive fire last year, when fire broke out on the sets of reality TV show Super Dancer 2. Though there were no casualties reported but there was loss of invaluable RK Films memorabilia, including costumes worn by actors such as Vyjanthimala, Nargis and Aishwarya Rai were destroyed. The famous studio was founded by Raj Kapoor in 1948.
