Rahul Rawail’s blockbuster films Love Story and Betaab were both bright and effervescent, and the same can be said of Ek Mulakat. It was in fact a love story about Raj Kapoor Saab, a legendary figure in Indian cinema, and his undying devotion to the art of filmmaking. The reunion made the audience in Kolkata grin as Rawail reminisced about his time at R.K.Studios, the invaluable knowledge he gained from watching the great master at work, and the successful formula of his films. Shefali Rawat Agarwal, an Ehsaas woman from Kolkata, and the director were seen interacting.

The event was organized by Prabha Khaitan Foundation in association with Ehsaas women of Kolkata at The Salt House.

Rahul Rawail was felicitated by Rupa Halim with a Ponnaddai shawl from South India.

The chats between Rawail and Rawat-Agarwal were impromptu and entertaining as Rawail discussed his entry into Indian cinema, his friendship with the renowned Raj Kapoor Saab, and how he learned the specifics of film directing under the guidance of the icon.

Nuclear physics initially piqued Rawail’s interest. But fate had other ideas for him. He adopted the same career path as his well-known Indian film director father, H.S. Rawail. When he had the opportunity to learn the business from his father, Rawail decided to begin his career in film by working as Raj Kapoor’s assistant at the R.K. Studios.

According to Rawail, the deciding event was a trip to the Mera Naam Joker sets with his friend Rishi Kapoor. Rawail observed the master at work at this location. His passion for filmmaking was fostered by the caliber of the guy who directed the enormous cast and crew of the movie with the deftness of a conductor of a musical symphony. Whatever films Rawail produced, he acknowledged, were an attempt to emulate the artistry of the greatest guy in cinema.

The discussions also covered his big films, including Love Story, Betaab, and a few more, as well as how many performers in the business, like Kumar Gaurav, Vijayata Pandit, Sunny Deol, Amrita Singh, Kajol, and Aishwarya Rai, got their start in the business thanks to his films. Additionally, Rawail recognized the power of the symphony created by Anand Bakshi and R.D. Burman for his movie.

Additionally, Rawail discussed Raj Kapoor: The Master at Work, his book. According to him, the book is about a little boy who discovered Raj Kapoor and learned how the actor came up with the ideas for his films’ music, plots, and color schemes. Additionally, Raj Saab’s personal anecdotes are included in the book.

When audience members asked questions at the session’s conclusion, Rawail answered them in an engaging way that made everyone happy. Rawail signed the cup with the Ek Mulakat imprint to conclude the meeting.

Priyanka Dutta