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After exploring the house, he chose to take home the actor’s beloved sofa, a piece where Raj Kapoor is said to have spent countless hours writing, composing music, and enjoying the evening breeze.
Raj Kapoor breathed his last in June 1988. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
In 2023, real estate developer Godrej Properties Ltd acquired the iconic Raj Kapoor bungalow in Chembur with plans to transform it into a premium residential project. Now, a close friend of the Kapoor family, Rumy Jafry, has opened up about a treasured memento he took from Raj Kapoor‘s Deonar bungalow before it was demolished.
As the demolition loomed, Jafry asked Randhir Kapoor for a keepsake to remember his dear friend. After a visit to the house, Jafry chose to take home Raj Kapoor’s beloved sofa, a piece the legendary actor reportedly spent many hours on—writing, composing music, and enjoying the evening breeze.
In a recent interview with ETimes, Jafry recalled the emotional moment, saying, “The bungalow was being torn down, so I requested Randhir to host a small gathering there. He kindly organized a dinner for close friends.”
Jafry further explained, “I told Dabbooji that I wanted something to remember Raj Kapoor by, and he graciously agreed.” Accompanied by his son, Jafry explored the house one last time, capturing memories through photographs. Initially considering taking a bed, Jafry later decided on the sofa. “Raj Kapoor Saheb preferred sitting outdoors, where he would often write music and enjoy his evening drinks,” Jafry shared, emphasizing the significance of the piece.
Rumy Jafry went on to say that his eyes then fell upon a wrought iron sofa set facing the lawn. “Raj Kapoor Saab didn’t like closed spaces and often sat outside. I was told he used to sit there for music and writing sessions, and he preferred to have his evening drinks there.”
He concluded by saying that he brought the sofa home, where it continues to hold a special place. “Strangely, people who visit recognise it,” he shared, highlighting his friendship with Raj Kapoor and the enduring legacy of the iconic actor.
It is worth noting that Godrej Properties also acquired RK Studios in Chembur, Mumbai, from the Kapoor family in May 2019 to develop a premium mixed-use project, Godrej RKS. The company also launched a luxury residential project at the iconic RK Studios in south Mumbai’s Tony Chembur neighbourhood in January 2020.
