Ranbir Kapoor recalls Raj Kapoor’s crazy Holi parties: “People were thrown into trucks”

Ranbir Kapoor has given Bollywood some of the most iconic Holi songs, like ‘Balam Pichkari’ from?Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani?and ‘Cutiepie’ from?Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. These tracks have become festival favorites, showing how to celebrate Holi with full energy. But behind all the colour and fun, there’s a lesser-known story about Holi in Ranbir’s life. The actor once shared how his grandfather, the legendary Raj Kapoor, hosted grand Holi parties that were both exciting and, at times, terrifying for him as a child.

Why Ranbir found Raj Kapoor’s Holi parties scary

Ranbir Kapoor recently attended the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), where he paid tribute to Raj Kapoor ahead of his 100th birth anniversary in December 2024. During a conversation with filmmaker Rahul Rawail, Ranbir spoke about the legendary Holi celebrations at RK Studios, extravagant gatherings where Bollywood’s biggest stars, from Amitabh Bachchan to Nargis, came together with crew members to celebrate.

Recalling his childhood memories of these parties, Ranbir revealed that while the atmosphere was filled with laughter, colours, and fun, he also found it overwhelming at times. He shared, “I was very young, and honestly, it was quite scary for me. Everyone was covered in black and other colors, and people were being thrown into trucks. It was chaotic in a way. I think you would remember it better… But yes, it was a one-day celebration where everyone looked completely unrecognizable by the end of it.”

Bollywood’s biggest stars partied with crew members

Despite his initial fear, Ranbir acknowledged that these celebrations were not just about fun but also about unity. The Holi parties at RK Studios were attended by not just actors and directors but also cameramen, production staff, and crew members. Everyone, regardless of their position in the film industry, came together as equals for the festival.

Talking about this, Ranbir added, “What I have heard from my elders is that these weren’t just for actors and actresses. Everyone, from the camera crew to the production staff joined in. There was no hierarchy. Everyone played Holi together, and that’s what made it so special.”

A celebration that became Bollywood’s favourite

Raj Kapoor was known for being a visionary filmmaker and a brilliant actor, but he was also a fantastic host. His Holi parties became an annual tradition, attended by the who’s who of Bollywood. The celebrations featured music, food, dance, and colors, making RK Studios the place to be during Holi.