Kapoor Khazana: Dance like a Kapoor Playlist! *Karishma Kapoor*

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Time to do an extended Kapoor Khazana post in honor of Karishma Kapoor!

I have to preface this by saying I'm not really a fan of Karishma. I really made fun of her like crazy over the years for overacting and being generally awkward. But in retrospect, I like Karishma (aka Lolo) FAR more than her sister Kareena (aka Bebo). Kareena is certainly beautiful, but there's just something so annoying about her personality (or whatever we can tell of her personality). And though I never really liked Karishma's acting, there was never a sense that she wasn't a nice person. She seems more down-to-earth and humble than her sister, which makes me like her a hundred times more than Bebo.

My mom always liked her, strangely. I guess because Karishma's acting style was in line with the actresses of the 50s and 60s, when my mom was growing up. She always said Karishma reminded her of Sadhana, who was a friend of my mom's back in Bombay (and is Karishma's aunt). And whenever I watch old Mala Sinha movies, I totally think of Lolo and Bebo. They must have grown up studying the actresses of that era, and that's what they emulate on-screen.

I will give Karishma credit for being a pretty good dancer. I don't think she as fantastic as a lot of other people thought she was -- there's a certain awkwardness to her posture which makes me critical of her dancing. But then again, I am extremely critical of dancers. So regardless of my nit-picking, she certainly deserves her very own Dance Like a Kapoor Playlist!
*not in chronological order, just in order of how I thought of them*
**no commentary either, because really I don't have much to say except she's amusing.

Main Albeli - Zubeidaa


Mein to Raste Mein Jaa Raha Tha - Coolie No. 1


Husn Hai Suhana - Coolie No. 1


Le Gayi Le Gayi - Dil To Pagal Hai


Jhanjhariya - Krishna


Maiyya Yashoda - Hum Saath Saath Hai


Sona Kitna Sona Hai - Hero No. 1


Pucho Zara Pucho - Raja Hindustani


Aankh Milaoongi - Fiza


Oonchi Hai Building - Judwaa


Deewani - Mere Jeevan Saathi

Kapoor Khazana: Dance Like a Kapoor Playlist! *RISHI KAPOOR* ♥♥♥

Finally I get around to not only my favorite Kapoor, but my all-time favorite Hindi Movie star - Rishi Kapoor, aka Chintu! I have loved Rishi since I was a tiny little girl ... I just didn't realize it until much later in life. He was probably my first ever crush.

And really, when you see his films from the early 80s, who can blame me? He was ADORABLE - from the curly top to the 1,000-watt smile and the oodles of energy. Rishi is unique in his career arc - he was a leading man for at least two solid decades before seamlessly transitioning into mature supporting/character roles (a fancy way of saying "Uncle" roles).

But this is supposed to be about his dancing - which I am a huge fan of! I absolutely LOVE Rishi's dancing - a lot of which is jumping, bouncing and jogging! He has such style and always looks 100% thrilled when doing it. He's often featured as a stage performer, doing elaborate items with a multitude of instruments. There are so many great, fun, bouncy Rishi songs to dance to -- so here's my 'Dance like a Kapoor' playlist for Rishi Kapoor:

Jhoot Bole Kauwa Kaate - Bobby (1973)
He's SUCH a teeny tiny baby in this, as is Dimple. Just adorable, playful and innocent.


Dil Dena Bhuri Bala Hai - Rafoo Chakkar (1975)
How can one argue w/ Chintu in drag? Especially when accompanied by his beautiful wife, Neetu!


Hamne Tumko Dekha - Khel Khel Mein (1975)
One of my favorite avatars, Rishi the stage performer. Wielding his fab guitar and charming the bellbottomed pants off of all the ladies - and the heart of one special Miss Singh!


Bachna Ae Haseeno - Hum Kisise Kam Nahin (1977)
One of my favorite movies! And really, how can one NOT love Rishi in an all-white, sparkly sequins pants suit with a matching cap and a large plastic heart necklace? This time he swaps out his guitar for a trumpet.


Tayyab Ali Pyar Ka Dushman - Amar Akbar Anthony (1979)
This movie is a favorite on almost everyone's list, and of course we all love Rishi & Neetu together! His energy here is infectious!


Daffliwale Daffli Bajaa - Sargam (1979)
One of the MOST famous Hindi songs ever, and the one that launched Jaya Prada to stardom in Hindi films (apparently sans her eyebrows). But would she have anything to dance to without Rishi skillfully playing that daffli? The boy's got rhythm. Speaking of, I miss dafflis. We need more in Hindi song picturizations.


Om Shanti Om - Karz (1980)
Oh Rishi - so adorably sparkly. So discofabulous. Hopping, skipping and jogging along on the spinning record ... no one else could have made this song the iconic song that it is!


Rang Jamake - Naseeb (1981)
Rishi does Charlie Chaplin ... perhaps in a tribute to Raj Kapoor? I also love Shatrughan Sinha's dancing in this ... hee hee.


Pucho Na Yaar Kya Hua - Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981)
This is one of my favorite movies of all time, and a lot of that love is specifically because I thought Rishi was so adorable in this. And this song captures so much of what I love about 80s Bollywood ... sparkly decorations, light-up dance floors, and disco! This entire movie's soundtrack is fabulous! Those disco-dancing kids are pretty fab too.


Dil Lena Khel Hai - Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981)
Had to add another one from this movie because I love StagePerformer!Rishi so much and this movie had an abundance of light up dance floors - which I can't resist. Also because he really dances his heart out in this one.



Ishq Mera Bandagi Hai - Yeh Vaada Raha (1982)
Another movie in which I was in love with Rishi. And I actually got to do a dance to this song with a local dance prodigy and my sister when I was 7 years old ... I played the Tina Munim role. And again, it features StagePerformer!Rishi and he's so into it ... I just love it. Another amazing soundtrack (R.D. Burman FTW!). And another sparkly jacket. Kapoor Bonus: Shammi Kapoor played the kind doctor who escorts Tina Munim to Rishi's performance!


Kaho Kaise Rasta Bhool Pade - Bade Dil Wala (1983)
I LOVE this song, this soundtrack and this Rishi! He's so joyous - just totally enjoying being out there dancing with Aruna Irani. I particularly like the bit at about 2:03 when he's holding her foot and running around in a circle. He just looks so happy! I also like when they do the Filipino Tinikling dance and then sit up on the poles and make everyone else carry them around.


Aaya Sanam Aaya Deewana Tera - Bade Dil Wala (1983)
Pshaw. Like gun shots could stop a sparkly-shirted Rishi from performing for a crowd! More amazing disco sets too!


Lambuji Lambuji - Coolie (1983)
It's costumes galore in this fun Rishitabh song! I love Rishi dressed as the brahmin priest up on stilts. And for some reason, Rishi has never reminded me of his dear old Dad MORE than in this song.


Parbhat Se Kaali Ghata Takraayi - Chandni (1989)
Rishi was quickly descending into "Sweater Uncle" phase, but I still found him loveable and charming as Rohit in Chandni. And though we all know that this song belongs to the ravishing Sridevi, Rishi still gave his best moves to make it amazing.


Main Matti Ka Gudda - Ajooba (1991)
Well into his "Sweater Uncle" phase now, it was definitely bothersome to see Rishi play opposite the teenaged Sonam in Ajooba. Still, he has this sweetness and innocence to him that made this song fun.


Desh Badalte Hai - Banjaran (1991)
A movie that had a similar feel to Nagina, but with a Banjaran theme. Sridevi rules here, again, but Rishi comes in towards the end and shows that he's still got it, despite being at the end of his days as a hero.


Payaliya - Deewana (1992)
Again, well past hero phase but still giving even the most ridiculous choreography his all. I love Rishi, and I love this song! I had to choose it over the StagePerformer!Rishi song from this movie, "Sochenge Tumhe Pyar" (which I highly recommend watching for the multitude of props wielded by the background dancers).



Jaipur Se Nikli Gadi - Gurudev (1993)
Oh poor Rishi. Did they HAVE to put him in those shorts? And despite the ridiculous get-up, he's still rocking it out and seems to be genuinely having fun with Sridevi. Great, peppy song though.


Dil Dene Ki Ruth Aayi - Prem Granth (1996)
A Rishi-Madhuri pairing was definitely a bad idea, but this song is beautiful and I STILL find him charming, even this deep into his "sweater uncle" phase. There's a certain style to his little head tosses that I really love!


Dil Se Judi - Kaun Sacha Kaun Jhoota (1997)
The last film that had Rishi-Sridevi paired together! And this song is a terrible rip-off of an amazing Gipsy Kings song, but still ... he IS dancing and giving joy and fun to the stupid choreography. And Sridevi is stunning as always.


Baaja Bajeya - Do Dooni Chaar (2010)
Full out into his booming career as a character actor/father/uncle, and he won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for this film. I can't think of a more deserving person. He knocked it out of the park with this one ... just so beautifully acted, such nuances, such sweetness. I absolutely LOVE the moment where he heads out onto the dance floor with real-life wife Neetu Singh and starts doing the stereotypical "Uncle Dance" ... just love love love. 


This only scratches the surface of Rishi fabulousness and Kapoor Khazana is quickly coming to an end. But I definitely wanted to share these as some of my favorite Rishi Dance songs.

Many more great film reviews and analysis posts for Kapoor Khazana are available here. Check it out!

Kapoor Khazana: Dance Like a Kapoor Playlist! *Shashi Kapoor*

The sweet-smiling youngest son of Prithviraj Kapoor is known for being one of the greatest romantic heroes of Hindi cinema from the 60s all the way through to the 80s! Balbir Raj Kapoor, aka Shashi Kapoor, started out as a child actor, best known for playing the young version of Raj Kapoor in films like Aag and Awara. But starting in 1961, he became a hero in his own right, stealing the hearts of millions with his signature grin. He also has the distinction of being the one Kapoor to truly straddle both commercial and art house cinema successfully.

I hate to admit it, but Shashi-centric films were never really ones that I sought out. I liked him well-enough, particularly as one half of my favorite filmi bromance duo - Shashitabh (Shashi Kapoor + Amitabh Bachchan) - in films like Shaan, Do Aur Do Paanch and Namak Halal. But I never quite considered myself a part of his die-hard fanbase. Which means that I am woefully ignorant of many of his best films and songs.

But I did try to come up with as many fun, spirited, dance-y numbers featuring Shashi as I could off the top of my head - so here's Dance Like a Kapoor Part III - SHASHI KAPOOR ... now I originally thought that I'd mostly be thinking of numbers where Shashi jogs around trees and acts charming -- but there are some really good ones that allow him to showcase what he's got! And what he's got ... we just adore, don't we?

Le Jayenge Le Jayenge - Chor Machaye Shor (1974)
I feel like this is such a quintessential Shashi song, and it's such a great song to dance to. I mean you can't hear it and NOT dance! And though we are mostly treated to large arm flourishes, Shashi gets to do a teeny bit of bhangra and shows that he has excellent rhythm and energy. Honestly speaking, he reminds me of Shah Rukh Khan in this, or should I say vice-versa? I mean to say, I don't think SRK is the dancer that let's say Hrithik Roshan or Shahid Kapoor are, but he is so full of energy and dedication that you just don't care. I think Shashi has that quality here.





Kehne Ki Nahin Baat - Pyar Kiye Jaa (1966)
I always loved this video, because I felt like it was one time when Shashi channeled his inner Shammi. But after another re-watch, I feel like Shashi really took this one and ran! I mean, the energy, the jumping, the choreography, the TWIST! This is such a fun video, and Shashi rocks it. I'll even go so far as to say that sometimes I feel like the heroes of the 60s had it much harder than the ones of today. I mean, their choreography, though not perhaps as complicated as the hip-hop based stuff of today, really required a ton of energy! The stuff of today is pretty good, but the editing style has advanced to the stage that there's rarely a few seconds of dance before we're cutting to something else. These guys had to do set choreography and jump like crazy without breaks. I know it's difficult to really compare, but when you think of how many takes Shashi probably had to jump like that ... well, I get exhausted just thinking about it. And this video gets the Beth Loves Bollywood stamp of approval.





Yamma Yamma - Shaan (1980)
Shashitabh! A Bad Guy's Lair! Tambourines and Hand Scarves! Helen! What's not to love about this song? This is one of my favorite dance songs of all-time. My eldest sister choreographed this for a large group of my mom's students back in 1981 and they made their costumes out of black garbage bags to imitate the leather vests that Shashitabh are wearing in this. I was always SO jealous. I wanted to be in this dance SO VERY BADLY (of course, I was four so it really would have been hazardous to have me underfoot). I totally wanted to re-create it in the early 90s when we finally had boyfriends that 1) could dance and 2) were uber-Amitabh fans and would have totally done it. Unfortunately we never got around to it. Oh well, I can always put my husband in a black garbage bag vest and dance around the living room.





Raat Baaki - Namak Halal (1982)
This may be a weird choice because he mostly stands around and watches Parveen Babi shimmy around in it, but I really do think this is a GREAT disco song. Our band used to play it at parties and it always got people on the dance floor! And towards the end when Shashi does his verse, he does do some disco-ey grooving. He's super cute doing it.





Hey Mujhe Dil De Nahin Toh - Mr. Romeo (1974)
Yes!!! Shashi can BOOGIE! The strobe lighting is a little annoying, but he is totally working it in this - it's not just jogging and arm flourishing! And while juggling multiple women no less!





O Meri Sharmilee - Sharmilee (1971)
Ok so this is more of the jogging and arm flourishing variety, but it's such a fantastic song and he's so wonderfully vibrant in it, so I had to include it. I also remember a few remixes of it floating around about 6-7 years ago, so it's totally danceable.





Tum Jo Ho So Ho Lekin Khuda To Nahin - Biradari (1966)
This song was on one of those old song compilations VHS tapes my mom had back in the day, and I always remembered it because 1) Shashi was SO YOUNG, 2) Shashi + Mehmood! WOW! and 3) Shashi does some rocking thumkas. But he really gets a chance to DANCE in this one, and he's quite good. Mehmood is awesome too, of course.





Humko Tumpe Pyar Aaya - Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965)
More of the jogging variety, but he does do some pretty cool moves dancing through the wheat fields as well. And again, such amazing energy! Affoo Khuda!




Na Na Karte Pyar - Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965)
I dare you to listen to this song and not shake your shoulders or hips. Seriously. It's impossible. And Shashi shows some excellent versatility in this one -- from bhangra to the twist. Love it!



Kahiye Kahan Se - Heeralal Pannalal (1978)
Admittedly in this song most of the dancing is left up to the fabulous girls (Zeenat Aman and Neetu Singh), but it's still fun to see Shashi and his nephew Randhir dancing together (and dare I say, Shashi looks way younger than his nephew despite being nine years older)!




Wada Karo - Aa Gale Lag Jaa (1973)
Here we have 'Skate like a Kapoor' vs. 'Dance like a Kapoor' - but I had to add it because it's one of my favorite Shashi Kapoor songs and because of the fun costumes and HELLO? Roller skates!

At this point I couldn't think of any more off the top of my head, so I had to call in for reinforcements because I couldn't shake the sense that I was forgetting some ESSENTIAL Shashi songs. So of course, I hit up the Shashi-love-encyclopedia-extraordinaire, Beth Loves Bollywood. And she came through with some spectacular suggestions!

Nain Mile Kar Chain Churana - Aamne Samne (1967)



Pada Tumhare Kabhi Bijliyon Ki - Ganga Aur Suraj (1980)


Suno Suno - Haseena Maan Jayegi (1968)



Dilbar Dilbar - Haseena Maan Jayegi (1968)

LOVE IT!!! Thanks Beth!

The next installment of 'Dance like a Kapoor' is going to be extremely difficult for me because it's my favorite Kapoor and I think he has an extensive list of amazing dance songs! But I'll do my best to give the wonderful, adorable Rishi Kapoor his due justice.

Keep yourself updated on all the fun Kapoor Khazana posts by visiting Katherine of Totally Filmi's links!

Kapoor Khazana: Dance Like a Kapoor Playlist! *Shammi Kapoor*

Part II of my 'Dance Like a Kapoor' Playlist is dedicated to the one and only Shammi Kapoor! Born Shamsher Raj Kapoor, Shammi is the 2nd born son of Raj Kapoor. Throughout the 50s and 60s, Shammi was one of the most desirable heroes in Hindi Films. The combination of Shammi's classically handsome features, unique style, charisma and the magic of Mohammed Rafi's voice as his most consistent playback singer packed a powerful punch.

Shammi is incredibly special. You cannot help but fall in love with him -- especially when you watch him dance and smoulder (Yes, I think Shammi smoulders better than Shashi)! And his most popular songs are STILL hits -- they can still get the older generation (and a fair amount of the younger generation too - if they're cool enough to get into the retro stuff) on the dance floor!

Here are some of my favorites:

*I am going to refrain from commenting on each song because really, how many times and different ways can I say how handsome and charming he is?*

Aaja Aaja Mein Hoon Pyar Tera - Teesri Manzil (1966)


O Hasina Zulfonwali - Teesri Manzil (1966)


Dil Tera Deewana Hai Sanam - Dil Tera Deewana (1962)


An Evening In Paris - An Evening in Paris (1967)


Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe - Junglee (1961)


Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar Mein Charche - Brahmachari (1968)


Govinda Aala Re - Bluff Master (1963)


Sar Par Topi - Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957)


Baar Baar Dekho - Chinatown (1962)


Suku Suku - Junglee (1961)

 And a little bonus feature - for anyone who grew up with Hindi Films in the 80s - there's a huge gap obviously between the songs above and this one, but of all the songs Shammi was featured in after he began taking 'elder' and 'supporting' roles (going into his phase of being one of my two favorite 'cuddly uncles' - the other being the fabulous Amjad Khan), this one sticks out the most in my memory! There's a lot of subtext going on in this song, but I'll let you figure it out on your own! Enjoy this fun song featuring Shammi and Padmini Kohlapuri.

 

Saat Saheliya - Vidhaata (1982)

Next up in my 'Dance Like a Kapoor' series ... Shashi Kapoor or 'The Shash' as I like to refer to him! Also in the line-up, an onslaught of Rishi Kapoor pyar!

To keep up with all the exciting posts from fun and talented bloggers from all over the world participating in KAPOOR KHAZANA, be sure and visit Kay of Totally Filmi's Kapoor Khazana Links!

Kapoor Khazana: Dance Like a Kapoor Playlist! *Raj and Randhir Kapoor*

It's JUNE and that means it's time to celebrate KAPOOR KHAZANA! The wonderful and gracious Katherine of Totally Filmi has organized a month-long celebration of the illustrious Kapoor Clan - the Hindi Film Fraternity's Royal Family, if you will. If by chance you aren't familiar with the Kapoors, then I'd definitely recommend checking out what Wikipedia has to say -- *NOTE, their post includes a Family Tree! Fabulous!

Now because I'm a dancer and think foremost about dance before anything else - I decided to start my celebration with a playlist of dance songs! However my list became so unmanageable for one post that I decided to split it off into a series of posts, beginning with the earlier generations and ending with Kareena and Ranbir.

Sadly, I am not too familiar with the works of our grand patriarch, Prithviraj Kapoor. Besides the grand-scale Mughal-E-Azam, I don't know that I've seen any of his film work (which I really must rectify). And in thinking of Mughal-E-Azam songs, I had to conclude that none really featured him enough to be considered as part of this list (though I do love watching him look all apoplectic in "Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya").

So I will begin my 'Dance Like a Kapoor' playlist with the fun and frolicking songs of Raj and Randhir Kapoor! Since their films rarely featured them dancing, nor were they the dancing sensations that Shammi and Rishi were, I have put this father-son team together in my list-making frenzy. I'm sure I have missed plenty of wonderful songs, so please do share ones that I have forgotten or may not be aware of!

Here we go! (in random order)

Ramaiya Vasta Vaiya - Shree 420 (1955)
Ok, admittedly Raj Kapoor doesn't dance in this - the dancing is mostly by the fabulous Sheila Vaz (also featured in the song "Leke Pehla Pehla Pyar" from CID). But this song is just so joyous and fun. There's been much speculation about the lyrics (the 1st line is apparently a Telugu folk song). I was particularly tickled by some online commenter's suggestion that the 2nd line ("Maine dil tujhko diya") also fits with the Telugu theme in that it discusses heart transplants and everyone knows that all Telugu people become cardiologists. Hahaha!



Nineteen Fifty Six - Anari (1959)
Before there was "Disco '84" and "Disco '82", there was "Nineteen Fifty-Six"! And seriously, if ANYONE can get Raj Kapoor to dance, it's gotta be HELEN!



Laga Chunari Mein Daag - Dil Hi To Hai (1963)
Again, not an active participant in the dancing, but Raj Kapoor certainly creates quite the character in this song! The dancer is apparently a featured performer from Telugu movies of the time, Padmini Priyadarshini. But definitely a CLASSIC song, particularly for dancers that enjoy classically-based filmi music (HOLLA!)




Budda Mil Gaya - Sangam (1964)
Again the trend of being an observer rather than active participant in the dancing, but still I love this song! It's so fun! It has costume changes! Vyjayanthimala dancing about and being silly! Raj Kapoor making his cute, irritated faces! And when my sisters and I had a band back in the day, ladies used to always request this song to dedicate to their husbands on their birthdays (meanies). And then they used to dance to it. Yep, rocking out on the dance floor to "Budda Mil Gaya". It was awesome.



Daag Na Lag Jaye - Mera Naam Joker (1970)
I MUCH prefer Raj Kapoor when he's having fun to him angsting. He just looks like he's having a blast in this qawaali with Padmini. And man, do these Kapoors know how to qawaali! Obvs, I love Rishi Kapoor's qawaalis the most, but it's clear where he gets his passion from.




Jaane Jaan Dhoondtha Phir Raha - Jawani Diwani (1972)
Finding dance songs for Randhir Kapoor is just as difficult as finding them for his dear old dad. And granted, this song isn't exactly a dance-dance song. But it IS one of Randhir's best songs, if not THE best song. And personally, I'D dance to this song. I loooove the smooth 70s beat and the addictive tune. I feel like wearing a sari and a bouffant hairdo and shimmying about. And there ARE some pretty good remixes of this song floating around out there. R.D. Burman music seriously rocks my world. Side note: that doll that Jaya Bhaduri is carrying scares me.




Koi Mane Ya Na Mane - Chacha Bhatija (1977)
Okay, it's VERY rare that Dharmendra doesn't outshine whoever he's on-screen with. But I really think that Randhir holds his own in this one. His expressions are fantastic! And for what it's worth, Dharam actually makes him look like a pretty good dancer (we all love Dharam but really, he's not a dancer. He's so adorable we don't care, but still). I never realized how much Randhir and Rishi Kapoor resemble each other! I never thought there WAS a resemblance, but wow, do I see it now!




Aap Yahan Aaye Kis Liye - Kal Aaj Aur Kal (1971)
This is a movie I HAVE TO SEE. I can't believe I haven't seen this. Come on, it stars three generations of Kapoors - Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor. It also stars Babita, Randhir's ex-wife and mother of Karishma and Kareena Kapoor. This song was also featured in the extremely long medley in the movie Mujhse Dosti Karoge (which starred Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukherjee and Hrithik Roshan). The song also features the famous 'RK black umbrella' which Kay from Totally Filmi recently blogged about.




Mukh Pe Jo Chidka Paani - Dharam Karam (1975)
Finally some real dancing! Go Randhir Go! But I am very confused as to why his elders (including real-life Daddy Raj Kapoor) are looking on this display so indulgently ... it really sort of borders on overtly racy. Particularly with all the attempts to pull of Rekha's clothing.




Waqt Se Pehle - Biwi O Biwi (1981)
I can't think of a stranger pairing than Randhir Kapoor and Poonam Dhillon, but there it is. Something about the picturization of this song brings to mind the oddness of "Sochenge Tumhe Pyar" from Deewana. There's also some nice chandeliers that Shweta from Apni East India Company would appreciate.




Dhola Dhola - Kachcha Chor (1977)
Randhir is only an audience member in this one, but I HAD to include a dance-off between Rekha and Helen! I mean, come ON! And aren't the colors of those outfits so reminiscent of another song from that same year?





Bachke Rehna Re Baba - Pukar (1983)
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this song! It is so fun, so peppy, and just so dancey! Both Zeenat and Tina Munim look so fresh and pretty, and Randhir seems to be having a blast out there.

Stay tuned for the next set of Kapoor dance songs - SHAMMI KAPOOR!