“The song was once sung in every household here — ‘Sir pe lal topi Rusi, phir bhi dil hai Hindustani’. This song may have become old, but the sentiments are evergreen,” he said.
PM Modi was referring to popular ‘Mera joota hai Japani song’ from the 1955 Bollywood movie ‘Shree 420’.
Watch the song here:
मेरा जूता है जापानी Mera Joota Hai Japani – HD वीडियो सोंग – मुकेश – राज कपूर
In the early 1950s, as the theme of ‘India-Rusi bhai bhai’ ran high, Raj Kapoor become a sensation in Russia. His movies, specially ‘Shri 420’ and ‘Awara’ were some of the highest-grossing productions in Russia and are still aired on many cable networks, dubbed in Russian or with subtitles.
The story of Raj Kapoor’s popularity also inspired a sub-plot in recent Vikramaditya Motwane’s series ‘Jubilee’ which shows the deep interest of Soviet Union in India’s film industry soon after independence.
Watch: Rare footage of Raj Kapoor in Russia
Indian actors visit Russia: Rare Footage of Raj Kapoor and the birth of Awara cult status in Russia
Raj Kapoor’s popularity also paved way for the following generations of stars in India. After Raj Kapoor, another phenomenon was Mithun Chakraborty whose 80s disco moves instantly became a rage in Russia.
His movie ‘Disco Dancer’ rocked the popularity charts across Russia. People are still seen making covers of the song ‘Jimmy, jimmy’.
Hailing their contributions, PM Modi on Tuesday said, “Artists like Raj Kapoor, Mithun Da have strengthened the friendship between India and Russia. The strength of our relations has been tested many times and every time our friendship has emerged stronger.”
PM Modi also thanked Russian president Vladimir Putin for maintaining good relationship with India. “I would especially like to appreciate the leadership of my dear friend, President Putin. He has done a wonderful job to strengthen this partnership for more than two decades. This is the sixth time I have come to Russia in the last 10 years and in these years we have met each other 17 times. All these meetings have increased trust and respect,” he said while addressing Indian diaspora in Moscow.
Watch: Mithun’s ‘Jimmy Jimmy’ song became a cult in Russia shortly after release
Disco Dancer – Jimmi Jimmi Jimmi Aaja Aaja Aaja Aaja Re Mere – Parvati Khan