On January 12, 2025, Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, NJ, hosted a sold-out Centennial Tribute to Raj Kapoor and a dedication to the late Shobhna Patel on her first death anniversary. Over 450 attendees witnessed a four-hour program featuring 25 singers performing 50 timeless songs, celebrating the cinematic legend and cultural icon.
Raj Kapoor, an iconic figure in Indian cinema, was honored for his masterpieces like Aag, Barsaat, Awara, Shree 420, and Mera Naam Joker. His contributions earned him the Padma Bhushan in 1971 and the Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 1987.
The evening also commemorated Shobhna Patel, a passionate advocate for preserving Indian culture in the U.S. Patel’s contributions included organizing events like Miss India NJ and fostering community pride. Edison Township Mayor Sam Joshi addressed the gathering, highlighting the Indian community’s impact in Edison.
The program, organized by AUM Events and SACHA (South Asian Culture, Heritage & Arts), was led by Jayesh Mehta. Dr. Tushar Patel, a community leader, served as the Master of Ceremonies. Performances by Sanjay Shah, Raj Macwan, Mukesh Kashiwala, and Pinakin Pathak added to the evening’s grandeur.
Special recognitions were given to rising star Neel Nadkarni and veteran performer Foram Shah for their exceptional musical contributions. The event was a fitting tribute to Raj Kapoor’s legacy and Shobhna Patel’s dedication, leaving the audience inspired by the enduring cultural richness of Indian traditions.
