Prithviraj Kapoor (3 November 1906 – 29 May 1972) was an Indian actor and theatre pioneer, and the patriarch of Bollywood’s famous Kapoor family. He acted in India’s first sound film, Alam Ara, founded the touring theatre company Prithvi Theatres and played Emperor Akbar in Mughal-e-Azam. His sons Raj, Shammi and Shashi Kapoor all became stars.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Prithviraj Kapoor |
| Born | 3 November 1906, Samundri, Punjab (now in Pakistan) |
| Died | 29 May 1972, Bombay (aged 65) |
| Profession | Actor, theatre director |
| Founded | Prithvi Theatres (1944) |
| Sons | Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor |
| Honours | Padma Bhushan (1969), Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1971) |
Early Life
Prithviraj Kapoor was born in Punjab, the son of a police officer. He studied law at Edwardes College in Peshawar but was drawn to theatre. In 1928 he moved to Bombay to try his luck in films.
Career
Kapoor began as an extra in silent films at Imperial Film Company and soon became a lead actor. He had a role in Alam Ara (1931), India’s first talkie. His commanding voice and presence made him a star of the 1930s and 1940s, notably as Alexander the Great in Sikandar (1941).
In 1944 Kapoor founded Prithvi Theatres, a travelling company that staged thousands of performances across India of plays such as Shakuntala, Deewar and Pathan. Many of its plays carried messages of national unity. His son Shashi later built the permanent Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai in his memory.
Kapoor appeared with his son Raj in Awaara (1951). His most famous role was Emperor Akbar in Mughal-e-Azam (1960), opposite Dilip Kumar and Madhubala. His last notable film, Kal Aaj Aur Kal (1971), featured three generations of Kapoors.
Personal Life and Death
Prithviraj Kapoor married Ramsarni Mehra, and they had several children, including his three actor sons. He was a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha in the 1950s. He died in Bombay on 29 May 1972. He was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 1971. His great-grandchildren include Ranbir Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Karisma Kapoor.
Selected Filmography
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Prithviraj Kapoor born?
Prithviraj Kapoor was born on 3 November 1906 in Samundri, Punjab (now in Pakistan).
When did Prithviraj Kapoor die?
Died: 29 May 1972, Bombay (aged 65).
What honours has Prithviraj Kapoor received?
Padma Bhushan (1969), Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1971).
