In 1980, Nargis, the celebrated actress, found herself in a state of unease as she prepared to attend the wedding of Rishi Kapoor to Neetu Singh. This was no ordinary social event for her; it marked her first return to a Kapoor family function in 24 years. The reason for her apprehension stemmed from her past romantic relationship with Raj Kapoor, Rishi's father.
Nargis and Raj Kapoor were a legendary on-screen pair, captivating audiences with their chemistry in iconic films like "Awaara", "Shree 420", and "Barsaat". Their on-screen romance blossomed into a real-life affair, which caused considerable controversy as Raj Kapoor was already married to Krishna Kapoor and had children. The relationship eventually ended, and Nargis later married actor Sunil Dutt. Following her marriage to Dutt, Nargis distanced herself from Raj Kapoor and RK Studios.
Rishi Kapoor, in his autobiography "Khullam Khulla", recounted Nargis's nervousness about attending the wedding. He described how she had not set foot in RK Studios since completing "Jagte Raho" in 1956. Sensing her hesitation, Krishna Kapoor, Raj Kapoor's wife, reportedly took Nargis aside and offered her comforting words. Krishna acknowledged the attraction between Nargis and Raj, stating that she understood it because her husband was a handsome and romantic man. She urged Nargis not to dwell on the past and emphasized that they were all there as friends on a happy occasion.
Rishi Kapoor's sister, Ritu Nanda, also highlighted Krishna's calm and empathetic approach in her book, "Raj Kapoor: The One and Only Showman". She noted that while Raj Kapoor was tense and jittery about Nargis's presence, Krishna remained composed. Krishna's magnanimity and understanding helped to ease the situation and create a welcoming atmosphere for Nargis.
In an interview, Rishi Kapoor reflected on his father's relationship with Nargis, acknowledging that such connections can develop in the creative field. He emphasized that his family respected that chapter in their lives and maintained cordial relations with both families. Raj Kapoor himself addressed the matter in a documentary, stating that his wife and his actress were separate entities.
Nargis attending Rishi Kapoor's wedding with her husband, Sunil Dutt, marked a reconciliation of sorts. It signified a mature understanding and acceptance of the past, with Krishna Kapoor playing a pivotal role in making Nargis feel comfortable and welcome. The event showcased the Kapoor family's ability to move forward with grace and empathy, acknowledging the complexities of human relationships while celebrating new beginnings.
