Mumbai: Filmmaker O.P. Ralhan who has given the industry films like ‘Phool Aur Patthar’, ‘Talash’, ‘Bande Haath’, ‘Hulchul’, ‘Paapi’ was pos...
Mumbai: Filmmaker O.P. Ralhan who has given the industry films like ‘Phool Aur Patthar’, ‘Talash’, ‘Bande Haath’, ‘Hulchul’, ‘Paapi’ was posthumously honoured by his family and Dharmendra with a chowk dedicated to him. The director has boosted the careers of actors to stardom and introduced several new talents during his lifetime, Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan and Zeenat Aman to name a few. He was passionate about his films, made films which were with social messages, great stories and very avant grade. For him, celluloid was a dimension of existence and expression.
Dharmendra
did the unveiling, lit the traditional lamp to mark an auspicious beginning and
shared his experience of the film ‘Phool aur Patthar’ and what his fond
memories were with the late O.P. Ralhan. Saturday morning was dotted with his
fans to participate in the tribute by his family. The unveiling started with a
presentation of a shawl to Dharmendra. This was followed by those present
sharing their experiences and fond memories of the magic maker.
Dharmendra
remembered Ralhan as an intelligent and intellectual director, who was very
jolly and affectionate. He further said, “If only memories could come alive, I
would call my friend my buddy Ralhan and tell him let’s make another ‘Phool aur
Patthar’. We had our friendship, love and admiration for each other. We were
friends who argued and fought with each other, but there was a bond with each
other that always remained. On this occasion of the chowk being named after
him, now he will be remembered with great love and respect always. If only
memories would come alive then he would be with us even now.”
Rupalli
Shah, Ralhan’s daughter said, “Dad was a people's person, he had friends from
all walks of life. He was always ready to help others and was passionate about
films & film making. To him till his last breath, the topic of discussion
was only films. The broken film reel behind is the depiction of his unfulfilled
dream projects. There was so much more to OP as he was fondly called by all
those close friends of his. He started his journey with acting and went on to
form his own Production house which showcased great films like ‘Phool aur
Patthar’, ‘Talash’, ‘Bandhe Haath’, ‘Paapi’ to name a few. I am humbled and
eternally grateful for all those who have come together today on this occasion
of my father’s road and chowk naming ceremony. A large part of the journey of
Indian cinema boasts the footprints of my father. There are so many fond
memories of his filmmaking journey that I recollect. There were days of scriptwriters, musicians, dress designers and artists bustling in and out of our
home. Many times I was made to sit in when the music directors and scriptwriters would come over for creating music and narration. If my father saw me
enjoy the music it would be his cue to go ahead with the music for the song. I
would enjoy the storytelling and hearing his ideas come alive on screen after
I had actually witnessed the process. To have a chowk and road named after him
is a moment of great pride for all his fans and family alike. We want to thank
all who have been part of his film career journey & all those wonderful
people who have helped us helm this effort to etch his name in prosperity. It
will be an everlasting memory and we are so grateful that this stays on forever.”
She
further added, “My gratitude to Asif Zakaria Bandra, Mumbai Corporator, Vinayak
Vispute Assistant Commissioner H Ward, Priya Dutt Roncon without whose support
it would not be possible to be standing here today having this momentous moment
in the memory of my father. A special thank you to Vishwas Nagre Patil Joint
Commissioner Mumbai for being here with us. Thank you to my family and friends
all of whom have contributed in their own way to make this day become a reality
and being there with me always.”
Ralhan's
grandson, Armaan Ralhan who made his acting debut alongside Ranveer Singh and Vaani
Kapoor in ‘Befikre’ shared a few words. “My grandfather was a maverick in his
film career as a filmmaker. As his grandkids, my sister and I always were loved and
received his warmth and care. As he passed away when I was only 9 years old I
recall memories of being thoroughly pampered by him. His magnum opus films are
still revered and remembered. He was a self-made man and walked alone in his journey
of filmmaking and acting not knowing where his destination would lead him.”
His
art and creativity live on in the hearts of audiences, and to family and
friends, his passion, incredible talent, philanthropic nature and tremendous
love for his family and the film fraternity, will forever be remembered and
cherished.
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