December 14 marks the centenary birth anniversary of showman Raj Kapoor, one of the greatest and most influential actors and filmmakers in the history of Indian cinema. To mark the occasion, deRivaz & Ives will be paying a tribute to the legend with a vintage Indian film photography and memorabilia auction ‘Raj Kapoor @ 100′ from December 14-16.
This auction provides an enormous amount of material that bespeaks the arc of creativity that sprung from the Kapoor family.His personal touch to music, locales, characters and scripts was a unique cinematic experience for his audience.
The most enticing lots in the auction include the following:
1. Lot 7. “Banwra” (1950) – original First Release Half-Sheet Poster, starring Raj Kapoor and Nimmi, this poster is a vibrant representation of early Bollywood art. The poster is not just a promotional tool but a piece of art that represents a significant period in Indian film history.
Estimates
₹60,000 – 90,000
$725 – 1,085
2. Lot 27: “Chaalak” (1963), an incomplete film Lobby Cards Collection, is unique as it offers a glimpse into a project that never reached completion, making it a treasure trove for cinema historians and collectors. Their rarity and connection to an unfinished chapter of Raj Kapoor and Madhubala’s careers elevate their value, making them a must-have for serious collectors of Indian film history.
Set of 9
Estimates
₹40,000 – 60,000
$480 – 725
3. Lot 34, a rare foreign language (Ukrainian) full-sheet poster stands out with its unusual psychedelic design, offering a unique aesthetic appeal. Lot 32 and Lot 33 also include two different sets of six color photographic stills mounted on lobby cards from the same film.
This rare poster is a must for its cross-cultural significance for collectors of international film memorabilia and Raj Kapoor’s cinematic legacy.
Estimates
₹40,000 – 60,000
$480 – 725

4. Lot 13: Candid Raj Kapoor 1950s Music Session Photographic Still, a frozen moment in the history of Indian cinema, offering a glimpse into the off-screen camaraderie, this rare and intimate photo captures a moment of repose, showing Raj Kapoor asleep alongside his core music team including music directors Shankar-Jaikishan and the celebrated lyricists Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri, all key figures in crafting the iconic soundtracks of Kapoor’s films.
Estimates
₹10,000 – 15,000
$120 – 180
5. Lot 40: RK Films Silver Jubilee silver-polished bronze plate, specially distributed by RK Films to commemorate the studio’s Silver Jubilee, a testament to the studio’s legacy in the Indian film industry. This is not just a collector’s item but a piece of cinematic heritage.
Estimates
₹40,000 – 60,000
$480 – 725

6. Lot 15: “Shree 420” (1955) Large Photographic Still is a remarkable collectible from one of Indian cinema’s most iconic films. Raj Kapoor’s portrayal of a misunderstood tramp with a golden heart, in a Chaplinesque style similar to his character in “Awara,” left a lasting impact on audiences. The film is also celebrated for its globally popular song ‘Mera joota hai Japaani..’.
Estimates
₹20,000 – 30,000
$240 – 360
7. Lot 28: “Sangam” (1964) Memorabilia Collection is a remarkable collection from Raj Kapoor’s “Sangam,” the first color film produced by RK Films. This set of four items captures the essence of this groundbreaking 1964 romantic drama, known for its stunning foreign locations and compelling storyline.
Estimates
₹40,000 – 60,000
$480 – 725
8. Lot 43: “Satyam Shivam Sundaram” (1978), Set of four large color photographic stills mounted on lobby cards showcases the film’s distinctive visual style and artistic direction.
This is not just a collection of film memorabilia; it is a tribute to a film that pushed boundaries and explored the complexities of beauty and spirituality.
Set of 4
Estimates
₹30,000 – 45,000
$360 – 540