Dalip: Rajiv Kapoor felt everybody had forgotten him after ‘Ram Teri…’

The late Rajiv Kapoor faced the camera for ‘Toolsidas Junior’ after a gap of nearly three decades. The film, which also features Dalip Tahil in a prominent role, recently hit a streaming platform. From being shaky to battling nervousness and finally gaining some confidence – it was a tough ride for Raj Kapoor’s son. His co-star and close friend, Dalip shared some fond memories of Chimpu Kapoor.
“When I met him for the first time, he told me, ‘Dalip, my hands are shaky. I am facing the camera after 30 years. I don’t know what to do. I am Raj Kapoor’s son, I have everything and yet I have nothing. Everybody has forgotten me, I don’t have work as a director, or as an actor.’ I gave him a big hug and told him, ‘Chimpu, it is in you, back yourself and be yourself. Don’t think of anything and just go for it’. And I could see him gain confidence, scene after scene,” expressed Dalip Tahil.

Making a case against nepotism, he added, “To all those who say there is nepotism in the film industry, here’s legendary Raj Kapoor’s son, who gave a hit like ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’ and still had no work for 30 years. I keep reading about nepotism everywhere, this should be a good example to those who think that there is only nepotism that can make your career in this film industry. I feel that this whole thing about being Raj Kapoor’s son was a double edged sword which could destroy you. Chimpu used to say people don’t even know that I exist. That can be very difficult for a person.”

Dalip shared that Rajiv was hoping to revive his acting career with this movie, but his plans were cut short. The actor shared, “Everybody who knows Chimpu knows that one of his issues was that his personal lifestyle needed to be in control. He had improved, he had changed and was determined to pick up his career after this film. It was supposed to release during the summer of 2020 but everything went haywire. He was depressed since the film was not releasing and theatres were shut. He passed away in 2021. I dedicate this film to him, it is a very tragic swansong.”

Talking about his own role in the movie, Dalip added, “When Ashutosh (Gowariker) called me for this movie, he told me that he cannot think of anyone in this industry who can play this role. He is very honest and I felt it was such a lovely thing for someone to say. When I met the young director Mridul, I was so impressed with him and the story. At last, here is a sports film that was not about cricket. It is a beautiful film, a true family drama.”

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