Prithviraj Kapoor - A Lifestory
The Founding Pillar of Indian Cinema and Theatre's Eternal Flame
Prithviraj Kapoor, a pioneer of Indian cinema and theatre, was born in Samundri, Punjab (now in Pakistan). Initially pursuing law, he shifted to acting after being inspired by a play, moving to Bombay in the late 1920s. Despite early struggles, he gained prominence with Alam Ara (1931), India’s first talkie, and became iconic for roles in films like Sikandar (1941) and Mughal-e-Azam (1960). Kapoor founded Prithvi Theatres in 1944, a traveling theatre company that nurtured talent and brought socially relevant plays to audiences across India. He mentored actors like Balraj Sahni and inspired his sons Raj, Shammi, and Shashi Kapoor, who carried forward his legacy. Known for his discipline and passion, Kapoor's contributions bridged cinema and theatre, earning him respect globally. His legacy endures through his family’s continued influence and the symbolic presence of Prithvi Theatres in Indian arts and cinema.
