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Come summer and everybody loves to rush to hill stations. The cool climes of Himachal Pradesh in particular are preferred by many from the region. While the major attraction in places like Kulu, Manali, Dalhousie, etc, continues to be adventure camps and parasailing, for those who simply want to sit back and relish the scenic beauty in the company of sweet melodies from Raj Kapoor films, Snow King Retreat, Fagu, is the place to be. The RK Lounge and Bollywood Bar, part of the magestic Snow King Retreat, 22 km from Shimla, is Ramesh Dudani’s tribute to the one-man industry, as he fondly calls Raj Kapoor, the legendary showman of Bollywood. Before his love for adventure and globetrotting made him venture into the hotel business, Dudani was a successful businessman who was also dabbling in film financing. Then, as he got immersed in the management of his resort, he decided to have a lounge in memory of the actor. The R.K. Lounge and Bollywood Bar showcases authentic memorabilia, procured at great cost. The lounge also offers the facility of on-demand screening of Raj Kapoor movies. "I have a collection of all Raj Kapoor movies. People staying in the retreat can just ask to see any of his movies. I am of the belief that he was the only showman that India has had till date. There is none who can match him in style, grandeur or movie-making skills. I had the fortune of interacting with him a few times when I was in Mumbai. The RK Lounge and Bollywood Bar is my way of showing my respect to him," says Dudani. Such are his feelings for the legend that some days, Dudani and his team hold impromptu quiz contests, singing contests, etc, all based on the life and works of Raj Kapoor. "The retreat is now on auto. I
try not to be involved in the everyday affairs. My main interest is in
RK Lounge and the Bollywood Bar. And, thankfully, my efforts are
bearing fruit," Dudani says. —
M.C.
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