Mera Naam Joker is the most ambitious film directed by Raj Kapoor. It is a semi-autobiographical film about the life of a clown who believes that the world is a stage and his role is to entertain despite his inner sorrows. This self-reflexive film follows Raju, played by Raj Kapoor himself, who looks at three pivotal stages of his life- his adolescence, first love, and disillusionment in adulthood. Though considered a magnum opus in retrospect, Mera Naam Joker was a commercial failure upon its release, primarily due to its original lengthy runtime, which could have alienated the Indian audiences. The failure was a huge financial setback for Raj Kapoor as well as RK Studios, bringing it to the verge of bankruptcy. A decade later, a shorter version found success, particularly abroad. In Russia, it was released in three parts and became a cultural phenomenon, making it a massive hit. The film tackles profound social issues, including the transient nature of fame, the loneliness of artists, and the universal human desire for love and acceptance. Though initially not heralded, Mera Naam Joker is now recognised as a classic, ahead of its time in both scope and emotional depth.