Rewa, a city in Madhya Pradesh, holds a special place in the history of Hindi cinema due to its connection with the legendary Kapoor family. This scenic town became a part of Bollywood history when Raj Kapoor, one of India’s most celebrated actors, tied the knot with Krishna Malhotra here in 1946. The wedding not only marked the beginning of a lifelong journey for the couple but also established a lasting bond between the Kapoor family and Rewa.
Raj Kapoor and Krishna Malhotra: A Marriage Born from Friendship
The Kapoor family’s connection with Rewa goes back to the close friendship between Prithviraj Kapoor—Raj Kapoor’s father—and Kartar Nath Malhotra, Krishna’s father. Kartar Nath, who was the Inspector General (IG) of Rewa at that time, shared a deep friendship with Prithviraj Kapoor that blossomed into a family relationship when they decided to marry their children.
Prithviraj, traveling across India with his theater company, frequently visited Rewa to stage plays. During one such visit, the two friends discussed the possibility of uniting their families, which led to Raj Kapoor’s marriage to Krishna Malhotra on 12 May 1946.
A Royal Wedding to Remember
The wedding of Raj Kapoor, then 22, and Krishna Kapoor, who was just 16, was celebrated with grand fanfare in Rewa. The marriage took place at Vyankat Bhawan, a government bungalow that still stands today as a cherished landmark. The Kapoor family arrived in Rewa with a grand wedding procession, and the entire city participated in the festivities.
The wedding rituals were steeped in tradition, and the joyful occasion became a matter of pride for the people of Rewa. Even today, locals fondly recall the day when the showman of Hindi cinema arrived in their city to marry his bride.
Kapoor Family Legacy
After their marriage, Raj Kapoor and Krishna Kapoor welcomed five children—Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Rajiv Kapoor, Ritu Nanda, and Reema Jain. Many of them, like their father, found success in the film industry. The Kapoor family’s next generation, including Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, and Ranbir Kapoor, has continued to make waves in Bollywood.
Vyankat Bhawan: A Heritage Site in Rewa
The building where the wedding took place, Vyankat Bhawan, still holds historical significance. Locals treat it as a symbol of their connection to Bollywood’s illustrious Kapoor family. For the people of Rewa, the bungalow is not just an old building—it’s a part of their cultural identity. Visitors to the site can still feel the charm of the past and imagine the royal wedding celebrations that once took place there.
A Relationship that Stands the Test of Time
Rewa’s bond with the Kapoor family remains strong, even after decades. The city is proud of its association with the family that has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. This emotional connection is not only cherished by the people of Rewa but also celebrated as an important chapter in Bollywood history.
