RK Studio

RK Studio

Bombay, now known as Mumbai has witnessed the change the city has gone through – from the black and white era to the pop colors and VFX we see on screen today. And the various studios of the city have helped progress it in the way we see it today. RK Studio is one of the major contributors in the history of filmmaking in Mumbai. R.K Studio was established by Raj Kapoor (legendary actor) and also was named after him. Inspired by Charlie Chaplin, Raj Kapoor always wanted to have his own studio.

Located in the posh Chembur area, the huge studio occupied two acres of land. In 1950, the main building was constructed and Raj Kapoor also established a small cottage behind the studio where he invited people for meetings and discussions. At one point, getting to work in R. K Studio was every actor’s dream. The dream sequence from the film Awara, will always remain one of the most iconic scenes shot inside the studio. The classic RK Studio emblem is taken from an intimate scene from the film Barsaat.

When shooting in foreign locations was not a norm in Bollywood, R. K Studio was everyone’s dream destination. It produced myriad box office hits like Awara and Shri 420. These movies not only touched the hearts of many in India but they went on to become great hits in the Soviet Russia also. The other masterpieces produced by the studio include Sangam, Mera Naam Joker, Jis Desh Main Ganga Behti Hai, Bobby. It was also rented out to other production houses and with time the studio also went through a complete make over and was equipped with all modern technologies.

Some iconic treasures like posters of Awaara, Aag and large black umbrella that was used in the shoot of the song, “Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua” were lost in time. Clothes of some actresses; props were lost in a fire. Rishi Kapoor considered it as one of the greatest loss of the studio.

In May 2019, it was sold to Godrej Groups real estate company. The deal was seen as an end of era as many filmmakers/actors have memories of working in the studio. The Kapoor family to whom it was passed on as a legacy, felt that maintaining the property was too much of a hassle and thus the decision was taken. However, the studio will be remembered for its contribution to the film industry and for introducing fresh talents in Bollywood.

Courtesy : Artpickles