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Centennial tribute to Raj Kapoor in New Jersey
The evening was a nostalgic celebration of Raj Kapoor's legacy, whose cinematic milestones include classics like Aag, Barsaat, Awara, Shree 420, and Mera Naam Joker.
Man Dressed as Joker in the celebration. / Courtesy Photo/ N&M photography
More than 500 music enthusiasts gathered at Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, New Jersey, Jan.12 for a Centennial Tribute to the legendary Indian cinema icon, Raj Kapoor. Hosted by AUM Events and South Asian Culture, Heritage & Arts (SACHA), the four-hour event featured 25 performers who delivered 50 timeless solo and duet renditions, celebrating Kapoor's monumental legacy.
Girish Joshi, a local Raj Kapoor fan, opened the evening with a memorable live performance. Dressed in a costume inspired by Kapoor’s iconic film Mera Naam Joker, Joshi acted out two songs from the movie, earning enthusiastic applause.
Edison Township Mayor Sam Joshi attended the event to support the tribute and praised the Indian community for its contributions to the township. "Events like these showcase the rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit of our community," he said.
Jayesh Mehta, the leader of SACHA, reflected on the meticulous preparation for the program. “We auditioned over 100 singers and selected the best 25, organizing rehearsals with costumes and choreography for over a month to ensure a flawless tribute to the greatest showman of Indian cinema,” he said.
The performers came from diverse professions and backgrounds, including notable singers such as Amit Macwan, Annette D'Souza, and Sanjay Shah. Dr. Tushar Patel, a prominent community activist and music enthusiast, served as the Master of Ceremonies. Renowned contributors like Dr. Dinesh Patel, video producer Mukesh Kashiwala, and audio engineers Nikul Shah and Pratik Shah also played key roles in the event’s success.
Edison Township Mayor Sam Joshi attended the event to support the tribute and praised the Indian community for its contributions to the township.. / Courtesy Photo/ N&M photographyThe evening was a nostalgic celebration of Raj Kapoor's legacy, whose cinematic milestones include classics like Aag, Barsaat, Awara, Shree 420, and Mera Naam Joker. Kapoor, who began acting at 11 and started filmmaking at 24, received the Padma Bhushan in 1971 and the Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 1987.
“Raj Kapoor’s work transcends time and geography,” said Dr. Tushar Patel. “This tribute is not just about his films but about the emotions and stories that continue to inspire generations.”
The event concluded with special recognitions for outstanding performers, leaving attendees inspired by the enduring cultural and cinematic heritage of Raj Kapoor. The heartfelt tribute was supported by prominent community figures, including Mr. Albert Jasani of Royal Albert’s Palace, entrepreneur Pinakin Pathak, and other notable sponsors.
The complete list of performers included:
Amit Macwan, Annette D'Souza, Anuj Govilla, Atul Shah, Deepali Khaparde, Gautam Shah, Gopal Mehta, Hari Neelakantan, Hema Patel, Hina Patel, Kavita Shah, Kinnari Patel, Krishna Narielwala, Kuldeep Chaudhary, Dr. Madan Patel, Naren Patel, Pinakin Pathak, Purvi Macwan, Raj Macwan, Raj Masrani, Raj Parikh, Sanjay Shah, Sheena Bhatia, Shruti Devi, Tushar Patel, and Varuna Taroll.
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