Filmmaker O.P. Ralhan who has given the industry films like Phool Aur Patthar, Talash, Bande Haath, Hulchul, Paapi and was posthumously honoured by his family and Dharmendra Deol with a chowk dedicated to
him. The director has boosted careers of actors to stardom & 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 & very avant grade. For him celluloid was a dimension of existence and
expression.
Shri. Dharmendra Deol did the unveiling, lit the traditional lamp to mark an auspicious beginning and shared his experience of the film Phool aur Phattar & what his fond memories were with the late O.P. Ralhan. Saturday morning was dotted with his fans to participate in the tribute by his family. The unveiling started with a presentation
of a shawl to the actor Dharmendra. This was followed by those present sharing their experiences & 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.
Dharamendar Deol remembered Ralhan as an intelligent & intellectual director, who was very jolly & an affectionate colleague. He further said that If only memories could come alive, I would call my friend my buddy Ralhan & tell him let’s make another Phool aur Phattar. We had our friendship, love & admiration for each other. We were friends who
argued & 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 & respect always. If only memories would come alive then he would be with us even now.
Rupalli Shah, daughter of O.P.Ralhan, said* “Dad was a people’s person, he had friends from all walks of life. He was always ready to help others & was passionate about films & film making. To him till his last breath the topic of discussion was only films.The broken film reel behind is the depiction of his unfulfilled dream projects. There was so much more to O.P as he was fondly called by all those close friends of his. He started his journey with acting & went on to form his own Production house which showcased great films like Phool aur Phattar, Talash, Bandhe Haath, Paapi to name a few. I am humbled & eternally grateful for all those who have come together today on this
occasion of my father O.P. Ralhan ji’s road & chowk naming ceremony. 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 & artists bustling in & out of our home. Many times I was made to sit in when the music directors & script writers would come over for creating music & 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 & hearing his ideas come alive on screen after I had actually witnessed the process. To have a Chowk & 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 & all those wonderful people who have helped us helm this effort to etch his name in prosperity. It will be an everlasting memory & we are so grateful that this stays on forever”
She further adds* “My gratitude to Mr Asif Zakaria Bandra , Mumbai Corporator, Mr Vinayak Vispute Assistant Commissioner H Ward, Priya Dutt Roncon ji without whose support it would not be possible to be standing here today having this momentous moment in the memory of my father. A special thank you to Mr Vishwas Nagre Patil Joint Commissioner Mumbai for being here with us. My thank you to my family & friends all of whom have contributed in their own way to make this day become a reality & being there with me always. Our beloved “He
Man” Dharam ji, I don’t have words to express my gratitude to him. It was without any hesitation that he accepted to do the honours of the unveiling ceremony. He truly is the gentlest soul & a mere thank you is not enough for his kindness. The ever beautiful Zeenat ji you have made this ceremony more special with gracing us with your presence.
Thank you so very much. All the press & media who are here I respectfully thank you for being here. You all capture memories & articulate in your words what everyone is remembered for & it’s etched forever. The police departments thank you all for making this ceremony effortless. We wouldn’t have been able to do this on the busy street &
chowk without your commendable intervention. Last but not the least the Film fraternity, the actors, technicians, musicians, writers & many other talented people who create the magic & have been part of my fathers journey, you all are the reason he is remembered & my most biggest thank you to all of you”
O.P Ralhan’s grandson, Armaan Ralhan who made his acting debut alongside Ranveer Singh & Vaani Kapoor in Befikre shared a few words “My grandfather was a maverick in his film career as a filmmaker. As his grandkids my sister & I always were loved & received his warmth & 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 & remembered. He was a self-made man & walked alone in his journey of film making & 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.
