Remembering Raj Kapoor: How Baba Saheb’s Table No.4 at This South Bombay Restaurant Inspired The Showman of Indian Cinema!

On June 2, as we commemorate the death anniversary of the legendary Raj Kapoor, the showman of Indian cinema, we delve into a lesser-known facet of his life—a profound connection with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.

Known for his cinematic masterpieces that captured the pulse of a young India, Kapoor’s films like Awara, Shri 420, Jagte Raho, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai, Mera Naam Joker, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Prem Rog, Ram Teri Ganga Maili tackled bold themes such as casteism, hardships faced by the underprivileged, unemployment, corruption, widow remarriage, exploring societal norms resonating deeply with audiences. But did you know that this iconic filmmaker drew inspiration for his "constructive work" from none other than Dr. Ambedkar himself?

Raj Kapoor, born in 1924, was not just an actor, director, and producer but a visionary who breathed cinema. Founding R.K. Studios in 1948, he crafted films that mirrored the struggles and aspirations of post-Independence India. His collaboration with writer-director Khwaja Ahmad Abbas in the 1959 film Char Dil Char Raahein stands out as a bold commentary on untouchability. Featuring the extraordinary Meena Kumari as an Untouchable woman, the film explored the idea of a new religion of equality that transcends caste barriers—a concept echoing Dr. Ambedkar’s embrace of Buddhism to challenge social hierarchies.

According to veteran filmmaker Rahul Rawail, Kapoor’s protégé and author of Raj Kapoor: The Master at Work, the showman had a unique ritual that reflected his reverence for Dr. Ambedkar. Rawail recounts, “In Bombay, he loved to go to town to this place called Wayside Inn. He'd always sit at the centre table there and the cooks would all come out to greet him. They would slap his back and say, 'Raj, kaisa hai? Bahut time ke baad aaya.' Seeing his chemistry with them, we learnt that he had been coming there since he was a child and the cooks were the same old guys from his childhood. When I asked him why that place was dear to him, he told me, ‘You know, there is a reason why I come here often and why I sit at this particular table and chair. This is the place where Dr Ambedkar sat and wrote the Constitution of India. I sit here so that it can inspire me to do constructive work.’”

Dr. S.P.V.A. Sairam is the first person to narrate the interesting anecdote of Raj Kapoor in his article 'An Unexplored Side of Dr. Ambedkar: His Quiet Relationship with Cinema, Theatre, and Music' published by The Culture Cafe, which shows how Kapoor tried to incorporate Ambedkar's transformative vision in his cinematic endeavours.

The Wayside Inn, this small restaurant with a British menu in South Bombay, was not just a place of nostalgia for him, but a deliberate attempt to connect with Ambedkar's ideas of social justice and equality.

Crowning some watershed moments the iconic restaurant routinely witnessed was the sight of round spectacled, formal coated Dr Ambedkar diligently drafting his monumental work between pots of ordered tea. According to an article published in Midday, restaurant owner Parvez Patel recalls, “Bent over foolscap sheets next to neatly rowed pencils and eraser, he’d ask for a pen from time to time." Unable to survive in the rapidly changing Mumbai landscape, the restaurant closed in February 2002.

On the closure of this historic place, Pritish Nandy, editor of Illustrated Weekly and media personality, wrote in the 80s- “The samovar is gone. The Wayside Inn is gone too. Eros is about to close. The Strand Book Stall, once the best bookstore in the city, is also about to close. The Irani cafes look tired. The old brothels have disappeared. Only Sahir’s words echo in a city where nothing is left except the loneliness of the people.”

Raj Kapoor’s commitment to meaningful storytelling was evident in his cinematic masterpieces. Rawail describes him as the conductor of a symphony, who would handle every detail from music to editing with finesse. His films, known for classics such as the title song of Satyam Shivam Sundaram and “Sun Sahiba Sun” from Ram Teri Ganga Maili, continue to enthrall audiences. His ability to combine social commentary with entertainment made him a true showman.

From the 50s to 80s: Top 7 Cult Films by Raj Kapoor That Shaped Indian Cinema and Society

Here are seven of Raj Kapoor’s most influential cult films that addressed critical issues in Indian society, each a testament to his genius as a filmmaker.

1. Awara (1951)

Awara, directed and produced by Raj Kapoor, who also starred as the lead, explores the nature versus nurture debate through the lens of class disparity and crime. The story follows Raj, a young man driven to petty crime due to poverty and societal rejection, only to discover his connection to a privileged judge, played by Prithviraj Kapoor. The film critiques the rigid class structure and judicial biases of post-Independence India, questioning whether environment or lineage defines a person’s destiny. Its iconic song, “Awara Hoon,” became a global anthem, and the film’s raw portrayal of poverty and redemption made it a cultural phenomenon in India and abroad, including the Soviet Union.

2. Shree 420 (1955)

In Shree 420, Raj Kapoor plays Ranbir Raj, a naive graduate who arrives in Bombay with dreams of success but encounters the harsh realities of urban corruption and materialism. The film exposes the moral decay of a newly independent India, where greed and dishonesty tempt even the purest hearts. Through Raj’s journey, Kapoor critiques the exploitation of the poor by the elite and the loss of ethical values in the pursuit of wealth. The song “Mera Joota Hai Japani” became a symbol of Indian pride, while the film’s exploration of honesty versus survival cemented its status as a cult classic.

3. Char Dil Char Raahein (1959)

Directed by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas and starring Raj Kapoor alongside Meena Kumari, Char Dil Char Raahein is a bold anthology film that intertwines four stories at a crossroads, addressing the issue of untouchability and caste discrimination. Meena Kumari’s portrayal of an Untouchable woman challenges societal norms, advocating for a new “religion of equality” that transcends caste—a theme echoing Dr. Ambedkar’s embrace of Buddhism to combat social hierarchies. Though less commercially successful, the film’s fearless commentary on casteism and its call for unity make it a cult favorite among socially conscious cinephiles.

4. Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (1960)

Directed and produced by Raj Kapoor, who stars as Raju, a simple villager, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai tackles the issue of dacoity and societal reintegration. Raju’s encounter with a gang of dacoits and his efforts to reform them highlight the socio-economic factors driving crime, such as poverty and lack of opportunity. The film’s message of compassion and redemption, paired with its soulful music like “Mera Naam Raju,” reflects Kapoor’s belief in constructive change, inspired by Ambedkar’s vision of a just society. Its blend of social critique and optimism earned it critical acclaim and cult status.

5. Mera Naam Joker (1970)

Raj Kapoor’s ambitious magnum opus, Mera Naam Joker, is a semi-autobiographical epic that explores the life of a circus clown, Raju, who hides his personal sorrows behind a smiling facade. The film delves into themes of unrequited love, societal expectations, and the struggles of an artist in a materialistic world. Though initially a commercial failure due to its lengthy runtime, its heartfelt storytelling and iconic songs like “Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan” have since made it a beloved cult classic. The film’s reflection on personal and societal alienation resonates deeply with audiences.

6. Prem Rog (1982)

Directed and produced by Raj Kapoor, Prem Rog is a powerful critique of the regressive traditions surrounding widow remarriage in Indian society. Starring Rishi Kapoor and Padmini Kolhapure, the film tells the story of Devdhar, a progressive young man, and Manorama, a young widow bound by oppressive customs. Kapoor boldly exposes the hypocrisy of societal norms that deny widows the right to love and remarry, advocating for individual freedom and dignity. With memorable songs like “Yeh Pyar Tha Ya Kuchh Aur Tha,” Prem Rog struck a chord with audiences, becoming a cult classic for its emotional depth and social relevance.

7. Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985)

Raj Kapoor’s final directorial venture, Ram Teri Ganga Maili, is a poignant commentary on the exploitation of women and the erosion of moral values in modern India. Starring Mandakini and Rajiv Kapoor, the film follows Ganga, a pure-hearted woman from the mountains, whose journey to the city exposes her to betrayal and societal corruption. The film critiques the commodification of women and the loss of cultural purity, symbolized by the polluted Ganges River. Its iconic song “Sun Sahiba Sun” and bold narrative made it a commercial and critical success, cementing its place as a cult classic.