A Bollywood enthusiast here has paid a tribute to Raj Kapoor by opening a new Indian restaurant full of memorabilia and music associated with the master showman.

Guests at the restaurants can taste choice Indian delicacies while reliving the life and work of Raj Kapoor, and listening to lilting melodies such as "Mera Joota Hai Japani.." and "Hothon Pe Sachchai Rehti Hai...".

The restaurant, called Shreejee Chopatti's Bageecha and located in the Asian-dominated Melton Road-Belgrave Road area, is a dream come true for movie buff and Raj Kapoor fan Dipesh Majithia.

It was inaugurated Sep 18 by Aditya Kapoor, Raj Kapoor's nephew. Aditya is the son of yesteryears heartthrob Shammi Kapoor, a younger brother of Raj Kapoor.

At the opening, guests were invited to dress up in attire from many of Raj Kapoor's films.

Majithia told: "The restaurant is distinctive in that it is a garden restaurant - a novelty in keeping with the tradition of the film maestro Raj Kapoor, who was ahead of his time.

"Bageecha is decorated with Raj Kapoor portraits, film posters and of course features his music - the entire venue is homage to the showman.

"We chose Aditya for our grand opening because we thought he is among the closest kin to Raj Kapoor - it is a real honour that he agreed to perform the opening."

Majithia, who also works as a film promoter and producer, said Raj Kapoor was his inspiration, and was mainly responsible for his interest in films.

Majithia has been instrumental in bringing a number of Bollywood movies and film serials to Leicester.

"Raj Kapoor is a name that no one can forget," he said. "He was an actor and filmmaker of international stature who never used to make films but rather created films.

"I am so pleased that a member of his family was associated with this venture and dined at the restaurant."