Subhash Ghai recalls Rishi Kapoor was ‘depressed’ after ‘Karz’ was declared as flop 46 years ago

Mumbai, June 27 (IANS) Filmmaker Subhash Ghai took a trip down memory lane as his 1980 cult classic ‘Karz’ completed 46 years on June 27.

Looking back at the film’s journey, Subhash Ghai revealed that the cast and crew, especially late actor Rishi Kapoor, were left depressed after the film was declared as a flop at the box office upon its release.

Taking to his social media account, Ghai shared a collage featuring celebration marking the film’s legacy, and a vintage behind-the-scenes picture from the sets of ‘Karz’, followed by the poster of the movie.

The old picture features Subhash Ghai directing Rishi Kapoor and actress Tina Munim while the filming of Karz.

Sharing the post, the filmmaker wrote,’Today: they call it a GRAND MUSICAL SHOW

YESTERDAY: They called it a FLOP SHOW on release 1980, 27 June.-We all were depressed, Rishi Kapoor specially. Today we all celebrate it as evergreen musical film. We all come together to celebrate its 46th year n miss our great actor friend #RISHI KAPOOR of KARZ. NOW On the way to be a MUSICAL STAGE SHOW BROADWAY SOON. Congratulations the team of #KARZ produced by MUKTA FILMS 1980.’

Talking about Karz, the movie released on June 27, 1980, and was directed and produced by Subhash Ghai under the Mukta Arts banner.

The reincarnation thriller starred Rishi Kapoor, Tina Munim, Simi Garewal, Raj Kiran, Premnath, Pran and Durga Khote in pivotal roles.

The story of the iconic movie revolved around Monty, a successful singer who begins experiencing mysterious memories from a past life, eventually discovering that he is the reincarnation of Ravi Verma, a wealthy man who was murdered by his wife Kamini for his fortune. The film further follows his quest and determination for justice.

Apart from the movie’s storyline and performances, Karz also made headlines for its iconic soundtrack.

The music was composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal with lyrics by Anand Bakshi, and it remains iconic even decades later. Songs such as ‘Om Shanti Om’, ‘Ek Hasina Thi’, ‘Dard-E-Dil Dard-E-Jigar’, ‘Main Solah Baras Ki’ and ‘Paisa O Paisa’ continue to remain chartbusters.

For the uninitiated, Rishi Kapoor, who played the lead role of Monty, passed away on April 30, 2020, at the age of 67 after a two-year battle with leukemia.

Over the years, the movie has inspired several adaptations and reinterpretations. Reportedly , Shah Rukh Khan-starrer ‘Om Shanti Om’ (2007), directed by Farah Khan, was said to be regarded as being loosely inspired by the central themes of ‘Karz’.

–IANS

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