100 Years Of Raj Kapoor: In the bustling heart of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where history and culture intertwine, stands a unique tribute to one of Bollywood’s most legendary figures — Raj Kapoor. The ‘Raaj Kapur’ restaurant, styled on a vibrant Bollywood theme, has been celebrating the actor’s legacy for nearly two decades, making it a cherished spot for both Indian tourists and locals alike.
Raj Kapoor, who left an indelible mark on cinema with iconic films like Awaara, Shree 420, and Barsaat, had this Chaplin-esque charm that won him fans not just in India but also in Russia and Uzbekistan. As the world marks Raj Kapoor’s 100th birth anniversary on December 14, 2024, this iconic restaurant reflects his enduring influence and the deep affection he continues to inspire far beyond India’s borders.
Opened around 17 years ago at the Le Grande Hotel, according to a PTI report from 2023, ‘Raaj Kapur’ claims to be “the first restaurant of Indian cuisine in Uzbekistan”, as per the hotel website, highlighting the lasting impact of Kapoor’s cinematic genius in Uzbekistan, where he is still regarded as Bollywood’s ultimate icon, even 36 years after his passing on June 2, 1988.
“People in Uzbekistan are crazy about Bollywood and generations of people from Uzbekistan and Russia — even the young — are aware of Raj Kapoor and his cinema and regard him as Bollywood’s numero uno,” Sameer Khan, resident manager of the restaurant, was quoted as saying in the PTI report. “The restaurant attracts more crowd for its name and less for Indian food, which most visitors discover after enjoying a meal,” said Khan, who is originally from Mumbai.
A Star-Studded Legacy
The Raaj Kapur restaurant isn’t just a culinary hotspot; it’s a magnet for celebrities. Over the years, the venue has hosted Bollywood stars Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, and Shashi Kapoor, among others. Its walls are adorned with signed sketches and photographs of Indian dignitaries and celebrities who have dined there, including politicians like Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh, and actors like Mithun Chakraborty, Daler Mehandi, and Gulshan Grover.
The restaurant has gained a reputation for its events like a Bollywood night, where locals and tourists alike groove to classic and contemporary Indian chartbusters. It’s also a regular stopover for Indian tourist groups and a hub for Indian events in Uzbekistan. From catering for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Samarkand to hosting celebrations during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, the restaurant has carved out a niche as the go-to spot for Indian hospitality.
An All-Indian Menu
The restaurant boasts of an all-Indian menu — from aloo chaat to masala dosa and chicken biriyani to boondi laddoo. The culinary offerings at Raaj Kapur are said to have been crafted by five chefs from different regions of India, ensuring a diverse menu, according to the PTI report, which quoted chef Kalamuddin Sheikh, who hails from Odisha, as saying that butter chicken, biryani, cheese naan, and dosa are among the bestsellers ar Raaj Kapur.
The restaurant’s story began with Jay Al Atas, an Indonesian entrepreneur who fell in love with Indian food during a visit to the country. Inspired by the Uzbek and Russian admiration for Raj Kapoor, he conceptualised Raaj Kapur as a place where food and fandom intersect.
