On 28 November 2025, Moscow will host a grand gala evening marking the 100th anniversary of the legendary Indian filmmaker Shri Raj Kapoor, celebrating his artistic legacy and his unique cultural connection with Russia. Organized by the Assembly of the Peoples of the World in partnership with Respect India and supported by the Russian-Indian Friendship Society “Disha”, the event will take place at Nikita Mikhalkov’s Workshop “12” Theatre on Povarskaya Street at 18:00.
Moscow was chosen for this international tribute due to its historic bond with Raj Kapoor, who first visited the city during the 1956 Days of Indian Culture and later returned as a jury member of the 4th Moscow International Film Festival in 1965, capturing the hearts of Soviet audiences. His film Awaara drew an unprecedented 64 million Soviet viewers, and “Awara Hoon” became a generational anthem, contributing to the wave of “Kapoor-mania” that swept the USSR.
The jubilee event enjoys high-level support from India, chaired by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, with Shri Manoj Tiwari, Member of Parliament, underscoring the importance of Russia–India cultural friendship. The program includes an exhibition of rare photographs and posters, creative performances based on iconic film music, and special presentations honoring Raj Kapoor’s contribution to global cinema and intercultural dialogue. As the organizers affirm, the celebration aims to revive cherished memories and reinforce the enduring cultural bridge between Russia and India, bringing together diplomats, cultural figures, artists, and admirers of Indian film in a memorable evening in Moscow’s cultural calendar.
ABOUT THE CULTURAL PROGRAM
The musical evening dedicated to Raj Kapoor’s work will delight the audience with its remarkable selection and rich program. Raj Kapoor classics — from “Awaara Hoon” and “Mera Joota Hai Japani” to lyrical favorites such as “Lag Ja Gale” and “Pyaar Hua Iqrar Hua”. The audience will experience a deeply emotional and diverse concert performed by Shri Manoj Tiwari and Manndakini Bora.
Manoj Tiwari is an Indian actor, singer, politician, and television host. He was born on 1 February 1971 in the village of Kahalabad in the state of Bihar. He is best known as a singer in the Bhojpuri genre — a regional musical and film tradition from eastern India. Tiwari became one of the most popular performers of Bhojpuri songs and helped bring the genre to nationwide prominence. He has acted in numerous Bhojpuri films, becoming a true star of regional cinema, and has also appeared in Bollywood films and television series. Since 2014, Manoj Tiwari has been active in politics as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was elected to the Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha) and has become an influential figure, especially among communities from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Manndakini Bora is a talented Indian singer and stage actress from the state of Assam. She was born on 12 June in Jorhat district. Her musical path was inspired by her grandfather Girindra Nath Bora — a legendary classical vocalist and renowned sitar player. She earned a master’s degree from the Bhatkhande Music Institute in Lucknow. Over more than 20 years of her professional career, she has had the honor of sharing the stage with the legendary Bhupen Hazarika at the beginning of her career and studying under Ustad Ghulam Ali Khan. Over the past decade, she has given more than 200 live performances and has received several award nominations, including “Best Debut Singer” at the PTC Music Awards (2017) and the Women Achievers Award (2014).
