New Delhi, Oct 23 (Agency) In the vibrant panorama of Indian cinema, few figures resonate as profoundly as Raj Kapoor and Sunny Deol. Their contributions to the industry have left an indelible mark, inspiring countless filmmakers and actors. Among those influenced is the renowned director Rahul Rawail, who offers a unique perspective on the enduring legacy of Kapoor, describing him as a guiding force in both his life and career.During an engaging interview with UNI, Rawail reflected on his deep connection with Raj Kapoor, stating, “I worked more with Raj Sahab than my father.” This poignant remark underscores the significant mentorship he received from the legendary filmmaker. Raj Kapoor was not merely a mentor; he was a guru who shaped Rawail’s cinematic vision and offered invaluable advice throughout his career. “He was my Guru, solving my problems and providing suggestions that have greatly influenced my work,” Rawail recalls, highlighting Raj Kapoor’s role as a beacon of guidance in a challenging industry.Raj Kapoor’s innovative storytelling techniques, particularly in iconic films like Sangam, have left an enduring impression on Rawail. “The climax of ‘Sangam’, with its intricate love triangle, continues to inspire me. It’s easy to conceptualise such scenes, but executing them is an entirely different challenge,” he explained. Despite his efforts to replicate this complexity in Love Story, Rawail admitted that he fell short, a testament to Raj Kapoor’s unparalleled mastery.
A cherished memory from the shoot of ‘Arjun’ further illustrates the creative spark that Kapoor ignited in Rawail. “He asked me, ‘Where is the BEST bus?’ When I didn’t know, he pointed out that Bombay couldn’t exist without it. That set me thinking, and we ended up hiring the bus for the film, which added vibrancy to the scenes.” Such moments encapsulate Kapoor’s ability to inspire and elevate his collaborators’ work.Shifting focus to Sunny Deol, Rawail praised the actor’s remarkable ability to embody both strength and vulnerability. “Sunny has a vulnerable face, which perfectly contrasts his tough exterior. I knew he would excel as the angry young man in Arjun.”Rawail’s admiration for Sunny extends to his recent performance in ‘Gadar 2’, which Rawail describes as a joyous display of a different side of the actor. “It was wonderful to see Sunny dancing and displaying a jovial spirit. The film resonated with audiences 22 years after the original,” he noted, emphasising Sunny’s enduring appeal.Despite a desire to collaborate with Sunny once more, Rawail is currently focused on nurturing the next generation of filmmakers. “My son is now making films, and I’m content with sharing my knowledge,” he remarked, reflecting on his role as a mentor in an industry that is ever-evolving.Rawail expressed optimism about the contemporary audience, asserting that today’s moviegoers are more discerning and appreciative of nuanced storytelling.
“Today’s audience is sensible and appreciates films like Dacait, which may not have succeeded in its time,” he explained. This shift in audience perspective signals a promising future for cinema. As technology continues to evolve, Rawail acknowledges the potential of advancements like AI but stresses the irreplaceable value of human creativity. “I would love to create epic films like Baahubali. But while technology is a powerful tool, it cannot replace the human touch in storytelling,” he remarked. “AI can assist, but it lacks the nuanced understanding of human emotion necessary for writing compelling scripts.”Addressing the treatment of Sunny within the industry, Rawail lamented, “Bollywood has often overlooked him. Sunny, Bobby, and Dharmendra are sensitive individuals, and I believe he has not received his due for far too long.” He affirmed Sunny’s resilience, noting that he has learned from past mistakes and emerged stronger after the success of Gadar 2. “Sunny is a wonderful actor, and I hope he continues to thrive,” Rawail stated, advocating for recognition of Sunny’s contributions.