He Was a Police Sub-Inspector Before Becoming an Actor
Before he graced the silver screen, Raaj Kumar served as a Sub-Inspector with the Mumbai Police in the late 1940s. He was reportedly posted at the Mahim Police Station. His entry into films wasn't immediate; he was spotted by filmmaker Sohrab Modi at Metro cinema while on duty, who offered him a film. Raaj Kumar initially declined the offer but eventually transitioned into acting.
He Rarely Talked to Dilip Kumar
While they had shared screen space earlier in Paigham (1959), Raaj Kumar and Dilip Kumar famously reunited after 30 years for Subhash Ghai's Saudagar. Despite their legendary status and the hype surrounding their reunion, it's widely known that the two stalwarts rarely spoke to each other off-camera, except for their scene dialogues. This was attributed to their strong personalities and professional approaches.
He Refused Zanjeer (1973) for a Peculiar Reason
Raaj Kumar was known for his blunt and outspoken nature. One of the most famous anecdotes about his eccentricity is that he allegedly refused Prakash Mehra's Zanjeer – the film that catapulted Amitabh Bachchan to superstardom – because he supposedly "didn't like the director's face" or the brand of hair oil the director used. While the exact reason remains debated, his refusal is a well-documented fact that dramatically altered Bollywood's course.
His Affinity for Specific Habits and Possessions
Raaj Kumar had a reputation for peculiar habits and retaining certain items for decades. He was known for his love of golf and horse riding. He reportedly kept the same Plymouth car for 40 years and also retained the same driver, hairstylist, and tailor for a similar duration, highlighting his preference for continuity and loyalty. He also had a particular fondness for getting his shoes polished.
He Had Specific Demands for His Demise
Raaj Kumar was a private person even in death. It's reported that he had made specific requests regarding his funeral. He instructed his family not to inform anyone from the film industry about his death and to cremate his body quickly at the Shivaji Park electric crematorium before the news could spread. He passed away on July 3, 1996, from throat cancer, at the age of 69.
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