The blockbuster ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’, helmed by the showman Raj Kapoor in 1985, continues to captivate with its evocative music. Featuring rising stars Mandakini and Rajiv Kapoor, the film’s songs, especially ‘Ek Radha Ek Meera’, have achieved cult status, played endlessly even decades later.
Celebrating Randhir Kapoor’s birthday, he regaled fans on ‘Comedy Nights with Kapil’ with an unforgettable story linking his father and composer Ravindra Jain to this iconic track. Picture this: Delhi event, Raj and Randhir in attendance. Ravindra Jain croons the first line, ‘Ek Radha, ek Meera…’, and the room falls silent in rapture before exploding into cheers.
Raj Kapoor, spellbound, demanded an encore. Post-second rendition, he quizzed Jain on the song. ‘It’s my personal piece,’ came the reply. Raj’s instant verdict: ‘Not anymore—it’s mine!’ Laughter ensued as Jain dramatically perched on Raj’s lap, only to be shooed back to his instruments.
Fast-forward to the next day. Raj plans a cozy musical evening at home, summoning Randhir to host. With traditional instruments ready, Raj introduces Jain and insists on ‘my song’. Randhir, wearily counting hearings, endures yet another playthrough. Satisfied, Raj orders a hefty 25,000 cheque, leaving Jain emotional and grateful for the film opportunity.
The plot thickened in Pune, where the team crafted the full soundtrack in a whirlwind four days. Returning, Raj beamed: ‘Music first, story next.’ Indeed, the narrative drew from the song’s essence—a mountain girl’s pure love soiled by societal grime, akin to the Ganges’ descent.
Randhir’s tale paints Raj Kapoor as a visionary who turned a casual melody into a film’s soul, proving his unmatched flair for Bollywood magic. ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’ endures not just for its drama, but for songs that transcend time.