Anees Bazmee, who started as Raj Kapoor’s assistant, remembered how fearful the crew was of the legendary filmmaker. He described Kapoor as more than just angry, recalling an incident during the filming of Prem Rog when the crew had to endure a three-day truck journey due to Kapoor’s displeasure.
In an interview, Anees admitted to being frequently scolded and yelled at by Raj Kapoor. He revealed that the crew often opted for lesser accommodations to avoid staying in the same five-star hotel as Kapoor. Speaking of his anger issues, Anees said, “Angry is an understatement to describe how he could be. He was a terror. I remember it well. If he was in a bad mood and yelled at someone, the entire crew – 400 people – would fall into a pin-drop silence. He had a different personality in films; good-natured… But in real life… We assistants were terrified of him.”
When asked if he’d been yelled at, Anees said, “Yes, many times.” “While I used to travel with him on planes and stay with him in five-star hotels, but all of us assistants would prefer staying in less-fancy accommodation to avoid being near him. But once, I made some blunder, and I was told that I wouldn’t be travelling with him in a plane, but I would be travelling from Mumbai to Mysuru in a Jonga with the other assistants and all the lighting equipment. It took us three days,” he shared. When they got there, they learned that shooting had already started a few days earlier. Hurrying to the set, they realised, “He doesn’t need anyone, but everyone needs him.”
Despite the tough working conditions, Anees is thankful for the opportunity to work with Raj Kapoor, especially as a teenager. He said that while others graduate from fancy schools, he graduated from the university of Raj Kapoor.
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