70-Year-Old Iconic R.K Studios To Get New Owners

One of the most famous families in Bollywood, the Kapoors have mutually decided to sell the iconic R.K Studios set in Chembur, Mumbai. The studio was built by veteran actor Raj Kapoor, in 1948, a year after India gained independence. On September 16, 2017, a major part of the two-acre studio got destroyed in a fire. The decision was a collective one by actor-producer-director Raj Kapoor’s wife Krishna Raj Kapoor and their children Randhir, Rishi, Rajiv, Ritu Nanda and Rima Jain.

Raj Kapoor died at the age of 63 in 1988 and ever since then, the responsibility of the studio was taken over by his children. As per reports, actor Rishi Kapoor revealed that the family had considered renovating the studio with state-of-the-art technology, but did not deem it to be practical. In the fire that took place in 2017 on the sets of a dance reality show, many iconic costumes and props used by actors across the time period were also burnt to ashes.

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Here'a picture of R.K Studios when it caught fire:

Reportedly, the ‘102 Not Out’ actor said that even before the fire broke out, the studio was running in losses, with directors and producers expecting free parking space, air conditioning, and other discounts. The studio is located in Chembur in Mumbai. This is another reason to sell the studio. Most of the filmmakers today, are building their sets in the studios located in suburbs like Andheri and Goregaon. The sale proceedings for the plot has already begun and they are looking out for builders and corporates who are interested in striking a lucrative deal.  

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The studio which opened in 1948, had a rough start, with their very first production ‘Aag’ that didn't do well at the box office and failed to impress the audience. It attained success only a year later with the film ‘Barsaat’. Later on films like  'Awaara' (1951), 'Boot Polish', 'Jagte Raho' and 'Shri 420', produced under the banner of R.K Films went on gain success at the box office. Talking about his children and grandchildren taking over the responsibility of the studio, the Rishi Kapoor reportedly said that he is not sure whether his children and grandchildren will share a bond as strong as him and his siblings. Reportedly, the veteran actor also clarified that he does not want the studio to be a subject of courtroom proceedings if any differences were to arise between the next generation.