The Show Must Go On…|Dec. 18, 1970|India|248 Min.|Not Rated
Genre: Bollywood;Drama;Romance
Description: “Mera Naam Joker” (1970), directed by Raj Kapoor, is a classic Bollywood film that follows the life of Raju, a struggling clown. The story is told through flashbacks during his final performance, where three women, Mary (Simi Garewal), Marina (Kseniya Ryabinkina), and Meena (Padmini), each receive a toy clown and attend the show. These women share significant connections with Raju, and their past relationships unfold as he performs.
As a teenager, Raju (Rishi Kapoor) is known as the class clown at his Christian school. Living in poverty with his mother, he feels out of place among his wealthier peers. His life changes when a new teacher, Mary, arrives and encourages him to pursue his dreams. Inspired by her, Raju discovers that his late father was a circus clown who died tragically. Determined to follow in his father’s footsteps, Raju vows to make people laugh, despite his mother’s protests.
During a school trip, Raju becomes infatuated with Mary after witnessing a private moment. Overwhelmed by guilt, he confesses his feelings at a church, only to be reassured by Mary that he is still a child. When Mary leaves for the holidays, Raju gifts her a toy clown that belonged to his father, symbolizing his connection to her and his dream of becoming a performer. Left alone, Raju deals with feelings of loneliness and sadness, setting the stage for his journey as a clown.
The film explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, offering a poignant look into Raju’s life and the three women who shaped it.
Cast director: Raj Kapoor
Cast actor: Raj Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Dharmendra, Manoj Kumar, Simi Garewal, Ksiena Rabiankina, Padmini, Dara Singh, Rajendra Kumar, Achala Sachdev
Original name: मेरा नाम जोकर