“Hum tumhe maarenge, aur zaroor maarenge… lekin woh Bandook bhi hamari hogi, Goli bhi hamari hogi aur waqt bhi hamara hoga”- the lines shiver down your spine, when a movie maestro narrates these. He is none other than the great actor Raaj Kumar. He became famous throughout Bollywood with his marvellous dialogue delivery. His iconic way of saying “Jaani..” and “Hum..” left Bollywood in awe. He left a significant mark on cinema with his magnificent work in superhit classics like Pakeezah, Saudagar, and Waqt. Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna shared about his magnetic presence and also talked about how he interacted with Amjad Khan and Sunil Dutt. Khanna also recalled Raaj Kumar regarding keeping privacy during his illness and death.
About Raaj Kumar, the Movie Wizard
The legendary actor Raaj Kumar had a remarkable career in the Indian film industry for his imposingly deep and full voice. Mukesh Khanna revealed some fascinating memories about working together on sets. Further, he highlighted him for his charm and captivating aura that catches the attraction of the audience.
Raaj Kumar did full justice to his role in several films, which honoured him with several awards. He contributed his precious forty-two years to his film career, offering more than 70 films back-to-back. Kumar caught the attention of his memorable role as ‘Shamu’ in the cult-classic Mother India (1952). After that, he did many famous roles like ‘Raja’ inWaqt (1965), ‘Chitrasen’ in Neel Kamal (1968), ‘Rajeswhar Singh’ in Sawdagar (1991), and many more. His role as ‘Brigadier Suryadev Singh’ in Tirangaa (1993) was a blockbuster hit. In 1964, he won the Filmfare award for Best Supporting Actor role in Din Ek Mandir. Kumar bagged another Filmfare for Best Supporting Actor in Waqt in 1966.
Khanna’s Story on Raaj Kumar
Recently, Bollywood Bubble took his interview, where he went back to the time when Raaj Kumar regarded Rajesh Khanna, Jitendra, and many other actors while approaching the set. He also made his comment comparing them with “Junior Artists” to the director. Also, he told Zinnat Aman to be more distinguished in her films, “Jaani, tumhe toh filmo mein hona chahiye tha .” recalled Khanna.
As Mukesh says, Raaj Kumar was an intimidating “great man.” He shared stories about his interactions with Amjad Khan and Sunil Dutt. Kumar faced a challenge from Amjad Khan for a face-to-face confrontation regarding his obnoxious comment about Khan. Also, Sunil Dutt grabbed him by the collar and told Kumar to communicate directly, as he upset him by his lack of eye contact during a scene.
Mukesh Khanna was also notified about his appreciation for the movie legend. He complimented him not letting the world notice his throat cancer and death before his cremation. Raaj Kumar wished for utter privacy for his last rites. He took his last breath at the age of 69, 1996, in Mumbai.
I believe in things I do, I do things I believe in—Raaj Kumar’s words reflect his confidence, whether choosing a film or his personal life. He never let the media ruin his image; his personality and extraordinary proficiency in his movies have made him a leading superstar.
