In a recent online auction dedicated to celebrating the centenary year of legendary Indian filmmaker Raj Kapoor, vintage posters from his lesser-known 1960 film ‘Banwara’ and the Ukrainian release of ‘Mera Naam Joker’ fetched unprecedented prices, setting new records for Indian vintage film memorabilia.
‘Banwara’ poster, a forgotten gem from Kapoor’s repertoire, was sold for over Rs 5 lakh, showcasing the immense interest of avid collectors. The visual brilliance of the poster, coupled with its rarity and the fact that the film wasn’t commercially successful, contributed to its allure. The focus on Kapoor’s centenary year added to the appeal, leading to intense competitive bidding and ultimately a world record.
The Ukrainian poster of ‘Mera Naam Joker,’ one of Kapoor’s globally acclaimed films, also achieved a record price of Rs 1.5 lakh. Kapoor’s popularity, especially in the Soviet Union, played a significant role in the success of his films abroad. The rarity of this international release original poster and the competitive bidding by collectors contributed to its record-breaking auction value.
Film historian and memorabilia archivist SMM Asuaja commented on the success of the auction, emphasizing the global appeal of Raj Kapoor’s legacy. As Kapoor’s centenary celebrations gain momentum, these record-breaking auctions serve as a fitting tribute to the iconic showman.
When asked about the comparison with Amitabh Bachchan’s poster prices, Asuaja clarified that Raj Kapoor’s posters, particularly those from ‘Banwara’ and ‘Mera Naam Joker,’ have set a record that surpasses all previous poster sales, not limited to Bachchan’s.
‘Bobby,’ another classic from Raj Kapoor’s filmography, also attracted multiple bids during the auction. The enduring popularity of the film, especially Rishi Kapoor’s spectacular debut, demonstrates the continued relevance and emotional connection across generations. The show cards of ‘Bobby’ fetched a winning bid of ₹106,400, reinforcing the film’s lasting appeal.
As the centenary year celebration kick-started with the auction, there are hopes for more initiatives in the future, pending family support. The success of the auction serves as a testament to Raj Kapoor’s enduring legacy and the timeless appeal of his cinematic contributions.
