Why are the Kapoors not celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi this year?
What's the story
Ranbir Kapoor and his family, who are known to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in a grand way at RK Studios, will not be welcoming Lord Ganesha this year. Confirming the news, Randhir Kapoor stated that they would be breaking their 70-year-old tradition, as they don't have a property spacious enough like the iconic studio. Notably, Kapoors had sold the studio a few months ago.
Statement
RK Studio hi nahi raha to kahan karenge, says Randhir
In an interaction with TOI, Randhir stated that celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi at RK Studios was a tradition started by his father, Raj Kapoor. However, in the current scenario, they can't continue with the tradition. "RK Studio hi nahi raha... to kahan karenge? Now, we don't have a place where we can hold the celebrations the way we did at RK Studios," he added.
Adieu
Kapoors bid adieu to the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations last year
For years, RK Studios has been staying true to the long-standing tradition of welcoming the elephant-headed Lord. However, the Kapoors bid their final adieu to the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations last year, after they announced to sell RK Studios. But they did ensure that the festival was celebrated with the same grandeur as it was always done, per the decades-old tradition.
Facts
RK Studios was home to many legendary films and events
The studio was founded in 1948 along with the RK Films. The studio gained recognition over time with films like Barsaat and Awara, being shot there. Further, Holi and Ganesh Chaturthi were celebrated pompously in the studio with actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, basking in the festivities. Interestingly, the wedding reception of Rishi and Neetu Kapoor was also held at the studio.
Loss
The studio was raking in losses for a while
For the uninitiated, the Kapoors decided to sell RK Studios, established by Raj Kapoor, after an inferno caused a lot of damage. Iconic props like his Mera Naam Joker mask, the piano used in Awara and costumes worn by Nargis and Vyjayanthimala turned into ashes. Besides, the studio was raking in losses making it difficult for the family to maintain the same.
Quote
RK Studios had become a huge white elephant: Rishi
"Even before the fire, for years RK Studios had become a huge white elephant, toting up losses. The few bookings we would get from films, TV serials and ad shoots would expect free parking space, air-conditioning and discounts," Rishi Kapoor was quoted as saying.
Reason
"We had to take the larger picture into account"
It was certainly an emotional decision for the Kapoors, however, Rishi called it a rather practical thing to do. The actor stated that the decision was taken after learning that the studio's renovation would still not bring in enough revenue to keep the establishment running. "Believe me, we had to take the larger picture into account and take a level-headed decision," Rishi said.