On Sunday, January 12, 2025, Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, NJ, hosted a memorable Centennial Tribute to Raj Kapoor and a dedication to the late Shobhna Patel, attracting a sold-out audience of hundreds. The four-hour event featured over 25 performers and celebrated both the legacy of Raj Kapoor, the legendary figure of Indian cinema, and the cultural contributions of Patel.
Raj Kapoor, known for his iconic roles and direction in films such as Aag, Barsaat, Awara, Shree 420, and Mera Naam Joker, is widely recognized as a trailblazer in the industry. He began his career at the age of 11 and continued to influence Indian cinema throughout his life, earning prestigious honors such as the Padma Bhushan and the Dada Saheb Phalke Award.
The evening also honored Shobhna Patel, whose dedication to preserving Indian culture in the United States left a lasting impact. As the organizer of cultural events like Miss India NJ and Miss Teen NJ, Patel played a vital role in shaping the region’s cultural landscape. The event marked the first anniversary of her passing on January 12, 2024.
Edison Township Mayor Sam Joshi attended the event, acknowledging the contributions of the Indian community in the region and highlighting the city’s growth.
The tribute was organized by AUM Events and South Asian Culture, Heritage & Arts (SACHA), a non-profit led by Jayesh Mehta. Dr. Tushar Patel served as the Master of Ceremonies, ensuring the event flowed seamlessly. Renowned singers Sanjay Shah, Raj Macwan, Mukesh Kashiwala, and Pinakin Pathak also played key roles in the program.
The evening concluded with special recognitions for outstanding performers. Neel Nadkarni and Foram Shah were honored as Best Male and Female Singers, respectively, for their exceptional contributions to the musical scene in the U.S.
This heartfelt tribute not only celebrated the legacy of Raj Kapoor but also highlighted the ongoing efforts to preserve Indian cultural heritage, leaving attendees inspired and connected to the rich traditions of Indian cinema and culture.
(Used with permission)
