Behind the Oscars Curtain: Journey of the other Raj Kapoor in Hollywood

(January 22, 2024) Come March 2024, and the 96th edition of the Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, are scheduled to air. Los Angeles-based live television event producer Raj Kapoor has been selected as the executive producer and showrunner of the prestigious event.

“Kapoor has worked on the show for the past seven years and most recently served as producer for the 95th Oscars. The Oscars will air live on ABC and broadcast outlets worldwide on Sunday, March 10, 2024,” The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced in its press release.

At 2023 Oscars, Kapoor earned praise for directing the stage performance of the Oscar-winning song Naatu Naatu from RRR. “The Naatu Naatu performance was a very personal one for me. A tribute to honour my late father who I lost in July and a celebration of Indian musicals and my birthplace,” Kapoor said after the event.

Raj Kapoor at Biden’s White House Holiday Party

Turning heads with his name 

In a career spanning two and a half decades, Kapoor has garnered attention not only for his spectacular work in Hollywood but also for sharing a name with the most legendary showman of the Indian film industry – Raj Kapoor, one of the greatest and most influential actors and filmmakers in the history of Indian cinema.

In fact, when the 90th Academy Awards had paid homage to the late Indian actors, Sridevi and Shashi Kapoor, celebrated Bollywood actor late Rishi Kapoor had tweeted, “Oscars. Thank you for remembering Shashi Kapoor and Sridevi. Thrilled to see the name Raj Kapoor as the executive producer of the show. We are on the threshold of world cinema!”

“I’ve watched the great actor’s movies and it’s nice to be associated with his name,” confessed Kapoor, the executive producer of the Oscars, during an interview. Beyond individuals of Indian origin, even people from diverse regions such as Russia and Afghanistan often draw parallels between his name and that of the legendary Indian showman when he visits those countries.

Making a name in Hollywood 

The Indian-American showman has left an indelible mark through his exceptional contributions as a key member of the Oscars production team for seven consecutive years. Additionally, he has successfully steered various other live shows in Hollywood, showcasing his expertise in the entertainment industry.

When all eyes are set on the glitter and glamour of the shows, Kapoor and his production team toil backstage creating magic and romance of Hollywood, giving spectacular experiences to millions of audiences across the world on highly challenging live events where one cannot afford to go wrong. “Entertainment is a passion with me,” he remarked. Kapoor’s company Raj Kapoor Productions is a creative agency and production company that provides creative concepts, full-service event production and cutting-edge video design. The clientele consists of global organisations in the fields of fashion, music, and entertainment.

Kapoor has secured six Emmy Award nominations and clinched a win for his role as an executive producer in the Outstanding Variety Special (pre-recorded) category for ‘Adele: One Night Only.’ Beyond his involvement in seven Oscars broadcasts, he has an extensive list of credits, including events like The Grammy Awards, ACM Awards, American Music Awards (AMA), Latin Grammy, American Idol, The Beatles Grammy Special, Billboards, Country Music Association Awards (CMA), iHeart Radio Music Awards, Radio Disney Music Awards (RDMA), Sinatra 100 Grammy Special, The Emmy Awards, as well as specials shows like The Disney Family Singalong, Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration, Norman Lear: 100 Years of Music and Laughter, Dancing with The Stars, Disneyland 60, The Voice, XFactor and XQ Super School Live among others.

Raj Kapoor (executive producer and showrunner) with Katy Mullan (executive producer) of the 96th Oscars

“Utilising the latest technology and visuals, we design spectacular and beautiful three-dimensional theatrical experiences that celebrate the power of unforgettable entertainment,” he said. “The thing I love most about my job is being creative and seeing my visions come to life.”

Kapoor has also been the director and producer of Las Vegas residencies for acclaimed artists like Shania Twain, Backstreet Boys, Mariah Carey and John Fogerty. He has successfully executed numerous large-scale tours for a diverse range of artists and events including American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Jonas Brothers, Jason Aldean, Jewel, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, Juanes, Demi Lovato, OneRepublic, Rascal Flatts, So You Think You Can Dance, Shania Twain, and Carrie Underwood. Among the corporate clients that he has served are Disney, Gallo, GM, Skechers, Tesla. UAE, the United Nations.

Early life  

Born in New Delhi to two teachers, Kapoor moved to Canada with his parents at a young age. Raised in Alberta, he loved immersing himself in music videos, telecasts of dance and award shows, and all kinds of films including Bollywood movies, while growing up. He had love for arts and a talent for dancing.

After finishing up his education in English and drama at the University of Alberta, Kapoor moved to Los Angeles, California in search of opportunities and started out as a dancer and assistant choreographer in Hollywood.

Owing to his talent and hard work, he has ascended to the roles of producer and director for prestigious events such as the Oscars and the Grammys over the years.

Raj Kapoor at a Grammys After Party, few years back

“I never had other plans, and always wanted to be in entertainment industry,” he shared. His career breaks came with American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. His production company has been designing screen content working with some of the most talented and famous people in the showbiz.

Love for India  

Kapoor would love to share his talent in his country of origin. “I would definitely love the experience when given an opportunity,” he shared.

Despite migrating from India at a young age, his native country holds a special place in his heart. Last year, Kapoor travelled to Haridwar after his father passed away in July 2023 “My mom and I travelled half way around the world to bring my father’s ashes back to his homeland. We arrived in Delhi, India – where my mother was married and I was born,” he shared on social media expressing gratitude for the beautiful experience and support of relatives in India during the visit.

Raj Kapoor with his mother and relatives at Pilibhit House, Haridwar

“We reconnected with all my family in India some of whom we had not seen in years. Prayers and blessings were performed on the banks of the holy Ganges River. I immersed my father’s ashes and watched the marigolds slowly float away. He joined his mother, father and two brothers in the exact same location. The day was filled with so much colour, life, emotion and history,” Kapoor concluded his message with a heartfelt ‘shukriya’ (thankyou).

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