The life and times of the first family of Bollywood is stuff of the many films they have been a part of. At a time when Ranbir Kapoor has delivered what is being touted his biggest commercial hit so far, there is also the shadow of his aunt Ritu Nanda’s failing health and grandmother Krishna’s fragile condition. It was thus a bitter-sweet moment when the family members came together to raise a toast to Raj Kapoor, literally, on the occasion of his 25th death anniversary. On Sunday, the Kapoor khandaan converged for a special ritual and a havan conducted by several pujaris at RK bungalow, in Chembur. The elaborate ceremony saw the members pay obeisance to the late patriarch and pray for the wellbeing of all the family members. After the rituals, the pujaris were served vegetarian food before the kitchen was cleaned out to make way for the spread that the Kapoors cannot do without and which was also a favourite of the late filmmaker — a sumptuous nonvegetarian platter that followed the uncorking of a bottle of champagne.

Raj Kapoor’s wife Krishna told all those in attendance that no memorial service for her late husband would be complete without a celebration of all that he loved — especially the food and the drinks. When contacted, Randhir Kapooor confirmed the story: “That’s right. My dad had told us to do it this way. He loved non-vegetarian food and drinks. We too love it and we have no qualms in saying so.” He added that the “original showman of Hindi Cinema, never dropped his shoulders even when his films flopped. He would be a bit sad for three days. Then on Monday he would say: ‘We have to put it behind us as life always carries on.'”Striking an emotional note, Randhir added: “Life is a celebration. This is what our dad taught Rishi, Rajeev and me and this is exactly what we are teaching our children and even grandchildren. We continue the tradition.”

The sombre occasion thus turned into one of quiet celebration as it brought together Kapoors who do not quite see eye to eye — like the two bahus Neetu and Babita. Raj Kapoor’s youngest son drove down from Pune for the ceremony, while Reema Jain (Raj's daughter), who is tending to Ritu Nanda, flew down from abroad, joined Shashi Kapoor and his family for the same. Said Randhir: “Everyone looked very relaxed in the presence of each other. It was heart-warming to see Babita and Neetu speaking to each other warmly.” While Ranbir and his cousin Karisma participated in the rituals, Kareena could not make it because she was shooting for Gori Tere Pyaar Mein.