"Man Of Music": Deepti Naval Shares Her Fond Memories Of Raj Kapoor

In the early 1970s, when Deepti Naval was a student at Hunter College in New York City, she hosted a radio show called Rang Mahal, dedicated to old, melodious Hindi songs. Aimed at the small Indian diaspora in Manhattan, the show became a nostalgic haven for NRIs. “Back then, the Indian community in New York was tiny, unlike today,” Deepti recalls.

As her show gained popularity, Deepti began inviting visiting Indian celebrities. Her first guest was the legendary Sunil Dutt, whose warmth turned her nervousness into a delightful conversation. By the time she interviewed Raj Kapoor, she had gained confidence and was thrilled to meet the showman whose films like Jagte Raho, Shree 420, and Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai had deeply influenced her.

Deepti fondly remembers Jagte Raho for its social message about middle-class greed, complemented by Salil Chowdhury’s timeless music, including Mukesh’s haunting “Zindagi Khwab Hai.” Another of her favorites, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai, inspired by Vinoba Bhave’s call for peaceful dacoit surrenders, left a lasting impression with its soul-stirring songs like “Aa Ab Laut Chalein” and “Hothon Pe Sachai Rehti Hai.”

Her conversation with Raj Kapoor on Rang Mahal was a memorable exchange infused with music. She admired his storytelling finesse and musical legacy, citing songs like “O Basanti Pawan Pagal” and “O Mere Sanam” from Sangam as personal favorites. Reflecting on Mera Naam Joker, Deepti calls it a “landmark film” for its nuanced exploration of relationships. The film’s iconic song, “Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan,” and its message—the show must go on—deeply resonated with her.

Meeting Raj Kapoor in New York was a dream come true for Deepti. Armed with a tape recorder and joined by college friends, she found him approachable and forthcoming about his life and work. “He was so endearing and open,” she reminisces. Though no recordings of Rang Mahal remain, Deepti cherishes those encounters. “My first meeting with Rajji will always be one of the most delightful moments of my life,” she smiles.