MUMBAI : Dharmendra to inaugurate ‘OP Ralhan Chowk’ in Mumbai in honour of legendary filmmaker-actor OP Ralhan

MUMBAI: The OP Ralhan Chowk will be inaugurated in Mumbai in honour of legendary producer, director, writer and actor OP Ralhan who made and starred in several hit movies in from 1960s to 1980s. The entire Ralhan family including Manorma Ralhan, Munesh Ralhan, Armaan Ralhan, Rashee Shah, Pradeep Shah and Rupalli P Shah and others will be present at the inauguration ceremony. The unveiling will be done by veteran actor Dharmendra.

Filmmaker OP Ralhan who has given the industry films like ‘Phool Aur Patthar’, ‘Talash’, ‘Bande Haath’, ‘Hulchul’, ‘Paapi’ was posthumously honoured by his family and Dharmendra Deol with a chowk dedicated to him. The director has boosted careers of actors to stardom and introduced several new talents during his lifetime. Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman to name a few. He was passionate about his films, made films which were with social messages, great stories and very avantgarde. For him celluloid was a dimension of existence and expression.

Veteran actor Dharmendra will unveil and light the traditional lamp to mark an auspicious beginning and share his experience of the film ‘Phool Aur Patthar’ and what his fond memories were with the late OP Ralhan. Fans will also participate on Saturday morning as the family pays this special tribute.

The unveiling will start with a presentation of a shawl to Dharmendra. This will be followed by those present sharing their experiences and fond memories of the magic maker. His filmography will be watched around the world and his timeless work will continue to easily transport one into the world of beautiful cinema.

Dharamendra remembers Ralhan as an intelligent and intellectual director, who was very jolly and an affectionate colleague. He says, “If only memories could come alive, I would call my friend my buddy Ralhan and tell him let’s make another ‘Phool Aur Patthar’. We had our friendship, love and admiration for each other, we were friends who argued and fought with each other, but there was a bond with each other that always remained. On this occasion of the chowk being named after him, now he will be remembered with great love and respect always. If only memories would come alive then he would be with us even now.”

Rupalli Shah, daughter of OP Ralhan, says, “A large part of the journey of Indian cinema boasts the footprints of my father. There are so many fond memories of his filmmaking journey that I recollect. There were days of script writers, musicians, dress designers and artists bustling in and out of our home. Many times I was made to sit in when the music directors and script writers would come over for creating music and narration. If my father saw me enjoy the music it would be his cue to go ahead with the music for the song. I would enjoy the story telling and hearing his ideas come alive on screen after I had actually witnessed the process. To have a chowk and road named after him is a moment of great pride for all his fans and family alike. We want to thank all who have been part of his film career journey and all those wonderful people who have helped us helm this effort to etch his name in prosperity. It will be an everlasting memory and we are so grateful that this stays on forever.”

OP Ralhan’s grandson, Armaan Ralhan who made his acting debut alongside Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor in ‘Befikre’ shares, “My grandfather was a maverick in his film career as a filmmaker. As his grandkids my sister and I always were loved and received his warmth and care. As he passed away when I was only 9 years old, I recall memories of being thoroughly pampered by him. His magnum opus films are still revered and remembered. He was a self-made man and walked alone in his journey of film making and acting not knowing where his destination would lead him.”

His art and creativity lives on in the hearts of audiences, and to family and friends, his passion, incredible talent, philanthropic nature and tremendous love for his family and the film fraternity, will forever be remembered and cherished.