At the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, actor Ranbir Kapoor announced the Raj Kapoor Film Festival, marking the 100th birth anniversary of his legendary grandfather, filmmaker Raj Kapoor. Scheduled from December 13-15, 2024, the festival will feature restored versions of 10 classic films, celebrating Raj Kapoor’s monumental contribution to Indian cinema.

Speaking at the event, Ranbir revealed that the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC), National Film Archives of India (NFAI), and Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), in collaboration with Kunal Kapoor, are leading the restoration project, PTI reported.

“We want the younger generation to understand Raj Kapoor’s impact on Indian cinema,” said Ranbir, emphasizing the importance of revisiting cultural roots.

Ranbir Kapoor also expressed his desire to create a biopic on Raj Kapoor. “A biopic must be honest, showcasing not just the highs but also the struggles and relationships,” he shared. The actor mentioned conversations with acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali about the project but acknowledged the complexities of accurately portraying a life so richly layered.

“It’s a tough call, and I don’t know if my family would agree with everything,” he added, hinting at potential challenges in documenting the personal and professional intricacies of the Kapoor legacy.

Ranbir highlighted the significance of remembering film icons in the evolving landscape of cinema. He humorously recounted how his wife, actress Alia Bhatt, once asked him about legendary playback singer Kishore Kumar, underlining the generational gap in recognizing cultural stalwarts.

“We must keep our roots alive,” he urged the audience, inviting them to participate in the festival and celebrate Raj Kapoor’s restored works.

On the professional front, Ranbir Kapoor is set to star in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Love & War’ and Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana.’ These projects further solidify Ranbir’s status as one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors.