Born on December 14, 1924, to Prithviraj Kapoor in Peshawar (now Pakistan), Raj Kapoor made his official acting debut with the 1947 film Neel Kamal and went on to become 'the greatest showman of Indian cinema'. He made a mark as an actor with films like Shree 420, Awaara and Barsaat. (All photos/mid-day archives)

At the age of 24, Raj Kapoor became the youngest filmmaker of his time when he made his directorial debut with Aag (1948), featuring himself alongside Nargis, Kamini Kaushal and Premnath

Raj Kapoor married Krishna Malhotra in 1946. They had five children: three sons, actors Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor and Rajiv Kapoor, and two daughters, Ritu Nanda and Rima Jain

Son Rishi Kapoor began his autobiography, 'Khullam Khulla', by talking about his father's affair with yesteryear actress Nargis Dutt, who together, continue to be widely acknowledged as the most iconic pair on screen

Rishi Kapoor wrote, "My father, Raj Kapoor, was twenty-eight years old and had already been hailed as the 'showman of Hindi cinema' four years before. He was also a man in love at the time, unfortunately, with someone other than my mother. His girlfriend was the leading lady of some of his biggest hits of the time, including Aag (1948), Barsaat (1949) and Awara (1951)."

Rishi Kapoor wrote that Nargis was Raj Kapoor's 'in-house heroine' and was understandably immortalised in the RK Studios emblem. Rishi also highlighted the relationship his father shared with co-star Vyajanthimala - who in the past had denied having an affair with the actor

Raj Kapoor with Mukesh. The singer was Raj Kapoor's voice in most of his films. Not surprisingly, when Mukesh died, Kapoor said, "Main ne apni aawaaz ko kho di" (I have lost my voice). Raj Kapoor passed away at the age of 63 on June 2, 1988, in New Delhi

Raj Kapoor and Nadira. The duo featured together in the evergreen song from 'Shree 420' (1955), 'Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh'

Raj Kapoor with his youngest son Rajiv, nicknamed Chimpu, who passed away on February 9, 2021

Raj Kapoor with Dimple Kapadia, whom he launched in 'Bobby' (1973) when she was only 16

Raj Kapoor with his son Randhir Kapoor, who acted in the 1975 film 'Dharam Karam' which was directed by Randhir

Randhir Kapoor also directed the 1971 classic 'Kal Aaj Aur Kal', which is most remembered for bringing together three generations of the Kapoor family - Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor, the latter making his acting debut

Raj Kapoor with sons Randhir Kapoo r(left) and Rishi Kapoor. Rishi played his father's younger character in 'Mera Naam Joker' (1970), which marked his big-screen debut

Raj Kapoor with younger brother Shammi Kapoor. Shammi narrated the 1991 film 'Heena' which was directed and produced by Randhir Kapoor after Raj Kapoor died before completing the film

Kapoor directed the 1978 film 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram', which starred Zeenat and is widely termed as the filmmaker's most controversial work. Many found Zeenat's dressing in the film, specifically the white sari, provocative

Raj Kapoor being showered with flowers. Kapoor was much loved by people in India as well as abroad, especially in Russia

The Kapoor family's Holi bash was once among the most popular celebrations in Mumbai

Raj Kapoor received one of his many honours from former President R Venkataraman. Kapoor was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1971 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1987

Raj Kapoor with wife Krishna Kapoor. Krishna is the sister of actors Rajendra Nath and Prem Nath

Raj Kapoor with Lata Mangeshkar, who was actually the inspiration behind 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' (1978), Kapoor's daughter revealed in a book some years back, that the filmmaker even wanted to cast Lata ji in the lead role

Raj Kapoor sitting next to his wife Krishna and Shammi Kapoor with his second wife Neela Devi. Shammi's first wife, Geeta Bali, passed away of smallpox in 1965

The showman of Bollywood, movies were always his first love. He once said, "When I die bring my body to my studio. It is quite possible that I may wake up and start shouting Action... Action"

Raj Kapoor with actor-turned-TV host Simi Garewal

Raj Kapoor with Vyjayanthimala and Rajendra Kumar in Sangam (1964), which was the showman's first film in colour

Raj Kapoor with son Randhir Kapoor and wife Krishna at a religious gathering

Raj Kapoor with son Rishi Kapoor and brother Shammi Kapoor. Rishi and Shammi starred together in the 1982 classic Prem Rog directed by Raj Kapoor

The Kapoor family: L to R (Standing) Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor. (Sitting) Prithviraj Kapoor with Randhir Kapoor on his lap and Shashi Kapoor

Raj Kapoor will always remain the original and greatest showman of Indian cinema. He's truly missed!