Netflix is set to roll out a reality show featuring Bollywood’s iconic Kapoor khandan. Dining With The Kapoors promises candid conversations, a peek into their personal lives, relationships, and love for cinema—against the backdrop of delicious meals. But this is not the first time the Kapoor clan has come together to entertain fans. Three generations of the Kapoor family came together for Kal Aaj Aur Kal in 1971—Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, and Babita, Randhir’s estranged wife.
The title, which translates as ‘Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’, aimed to convey the passage of time—the ghosts of Bollywood’s past, present and future. Each of the Kapoor men represented a different era in the film about generational shifts and clashes.
Kal Aaj Aur Kal also marked the debut of an adult Randhir Kapoor, who acted in and directed the movie. He had earlier appeared as a child artist in RK Films’ iconic movie, Shree 420 (1955). And though he went on to play the lead role in 34 films between 1971 and 1987, Randhir called Kal Aaj Aur Kal his “favourite” at the 2016 launch of Gita Dass’ book chronicling their lives.
The movie came out after the colossal disaster that was Mera Naam Joker (1970). The expensive film had turned out to be a box office dud, and RK Films was on the verge of closing. Kal Aaj Aur Kal brought together the three Kapoors who were, at this point, desperate to salvage the situation.
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A laborious ensemble film
Kal Aaj Aur Kal follows the lives of Diwan Bahadur Kapoor (Prithviraj), Ram Kapoor (Raj) and Rajesh Kapoor (Randhir). Diwan, as the family patriarch, represents tradition and orthodox values. Ram, on the other hand, struggles to adjust to life after his wife’s death as his son Rajesh pursues higher education in London. The Gatsby-style parties he hosts do little to ease his loneliness. So, at the suggestion of his friend, Ram decides to call his son home.
Trouble starts brewing when Rajesh falls in love with Monica (Babita) and insists on marrying her against the wishes of Diwan, who has promised his grandson’s hand to another young woman. The two clash constantly, causing Ram to become sandwiched between the two and leave in sheer frustration.
In an attempt to get him back, the grandfather and grandson pretend to make up. A relieved Ram returns home, only to realise that the war is still on.
The film is long and laborious—far from the entertainer that the audience expected it to be. Randhir’s acting was mostly exaggerated without the charm that his character demanded. While Prithviraj Kapoor manages to convey the resolute ‘old fashioned’ man, his fights with Randhir’s character lack authenticity.
But it was Raj Kapoor who stood out as the mild-mannered man caught between his father and son, deftly portraying his character’s inner turmoil. His scenes are outstanding and evoke sympathy, particularly when he leaves home.
The song Ek Paon Chal Raha Alag Alag, sung by Manna Dey, also fits right into the moment. It’s the perfect backdrop to the scene where Ram wanders around his palatial house before deciding to leave in the middle of the night.
Kal Aaj Aur Kal focuses exclusively on the Kapoor men, and Babita’s character is a mere prop to keep the plot moving. But one scene, where she casually mistakes Diwan for a gardener and inquires about her boyfriend’s whereabouts, serves as a hilarious deja-vu moment. It’s easy to gauge where Babita’s daughter Kareena Kapoor got the inspiration for her sassy portrayal of ‘Poo’ in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001).
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A solid soundtrack
If it weren’t for its memorable songs, Kal Aaj Aur Kal would likely have faded into obscurity with its lacklustre performances, weak writing, and no memorable dialogues.
Aap Yahan Aaye Kisliye establishes the blossoming romance between Rajesh and Monica. Sung by Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar, it is a fun, flirty number that one can hear on the loop.
Kishore Kumar’s solo, Bhanware ki Gunjan, is another romantic song where Rajesh serenades Monica.
And even though it is primarily a dance number, Tik Tik Tik Tik Chalti Jaye Ghadi fits perfectly in scenes where Rajesh challenges his grandfather’s ‘outdated’ ideas. The song brings together Mukesh, Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle, while the lyrics, by poet and author Gopaldas Neeraj, emphasise the significance of the old and the new, the past and the present.
Kal Aj Aur Kal is the last collaboration between music composer duo Shankar–Jaikishan, and RK Films. Jaikishan, who had cirrhosis of the liver, died shortly after the movie’s release.
The film could have been so much more, but is now remembered only for bringing the Kapoors together on the big screen.
(Edited by Zoya Bhatti)