Bobby turns 50: Here’s why Raj Kapoor chose Dimple Kapadia over Neetu Singh for Rishi Kapoor’s film

'Bobby', starring Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia, was directed by Raj Kapoor and released 50 years ago. The film also starred Prem Chopra, Prem Nath, Pran, Aruna Irani, and Durga Khote, among others with Dimple as she made their acting debut in the movie. 

Dimple's first movie, Bobby, made her a household name. Rishi Kapoor, the director's son, made his Bollywood debut in the 1970 film, 'Mera Naam Joker' which was also directed by Raj Kapoor. For the uninitiated, Dimple played the title role of "Bobby Braganza" in the movie at the age of barely 15. Few people are aware, though, that the actress wasn't the movie's initial pick.

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According to movie critic Dilip Thakur, Neetu Singh was originally considered to portray Bobby in the Raj Kapoor-directed movie before the part ultimately went to Kapadia. Dilip Thakur revealed that Neetu, who ultimately became Rishi Kapoor's wife, was initially considered to play the eponymous part in Bobby in a recent interview with Times of India. Thakur claims that Singh's mother wanted her to be a part of the Raj Kapoor directed movie because she wanted to introduce her daughter as a leading lady at the time. 

The renowned director ultimately chose Dimple Kapadia for the part after first considering Neetu Singh because the former was already well-known in the Hindi cinema industry as a child performer. In the film, Raj Kapoor intended to cast a brand-new face alongside his son Rishi Kapoor. In front of Raj Kapoor and her father, Chunnibai Kapadia, Dimple underwent a look test with the leading man before being chosen for the part. 

The veteran critic was quoted as saying by the portal: "Who will be the heroine of a Raj Kapoor film? That had always been a topic of great curiosity among people. A set was erected for Kal Aaj Aur Kal at the RK Studio. At that time, Chunnibhai Kapadia, the father of Dimple Kapadia, made her do a test for Raj Kapoor. It was the shot where she climbs down a staircase and hugs Rishi Kapoor. Dimple did a take, and she was shortlisted."

The box office success of Bobby and the love by the audience gave Dimple the opportunity to establish herself in Bollywood.

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