Prithviraj Kapoor- Pioneer Of Indian Cinema

Prithviraj Kapoor the great patriarch of Kapoor family was born on 3 November 1906. A noted pioneer of Indian theatre and of the Hindi film industry, Prithviraj Kapoor started his career as an actor, in silent era of Hindi cinema.

Prithviraj Kapoor did his graduation from Edward college, Peshawar. Studying law for almost one year in 1928 the actor moved to land of dreams Mumbai. Started acting as an extra in his first film role, Prithviraj Kapoor grew up to get a lead role for his third Cinema Girl in 1929.

After featuring in 9 silent films Prithviraj Kapoor did a supporting role in India's first film talkie, Alam Ara in 1931. Prithviraj's performance in Vidyapati (1937) was much appreciated.

The actor gave his best-known performance as Alexander the Great in Sohrab Modi’s Sikandar that was released in 1941. His notable filmography includes Mughal E Azam (1960) where he gave his most memorable performance as the Mughal emperor Akbar, Harishchandra Taramati (1963) where he played the lead role and unforgettable performances as Porus in Sikandar-e-Azam (1965) and the stentorian grandfather in Kal Aaj Aur Kal (1971) where he appeared with his son and grandson Randhir Kapoor.

Prithviraj Kapoor starred in the legendary religious Punjabi film Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai (1969). he also did two more punjabi flicks Nanak Dukhiya Sub Sansar (1970) and Mele Mittran De (1972).

In 1954, Prithviraj Kapoor was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, and in 1969, the Padma Bhushan by the government of India. The cator remained Nominated Rajya Sabha Member for eight years.

Prithviraj Kapoor died in 1972, and was posthumously awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 1971. He was the third recipient of that award.