There is a generalization that RK films made Indian films popular abroad. That is at one level maybe true, but the issue must be looked at on a deeper level.Probe and inquire into the fact concerning what RK/SJ films were having success and impact in which individual country, and for what reason.There are many questions to be answered; many big questions. Take for instance, let us not talk about Awaara in Russia, go to a smaller scale, Awaara in Turkey was a pretty good hit but not so in Iran...why?Whereas, Sangam was actually a very big hit in Iran and not so in Turkey... 
Why did people in Ethiopia like Sangam as much as Egypt? Israel liked all three films Awaara, Shree 420, and Sangam but Shree 420 edged out the other two quite a bit. Then of course, Russia fell in love with Awaara, less so with Shree 420 and Sangam--much less there.The former Czechoslovakia immensely took for Jagte Raho and of course in India it was a total flop. (non SJ) What was the impact of music in these movies in different countries.Russia and Eastern Europe had songs of Awaara and Shree 420 on their lips. Not so of Sangam songs. All of middle east in general were very fond of songs of Sangam. Israel also, but more towards the songs of Shree 420. Which film had what message and for what country it made more touching and meaningful impact...... ..etc Somewhat of a good topic for a sociology and economics as well as filmology dedicates. Some answers for our main questions might be lurking in these above queries. But coming back to the journalist question that was posed to Raj Kapoor, this was in the mid eighties before Ram Teri Ganga Maili. His answer was that America was made up of very individualistic people making up the society, lacking strong culture and tradition. His films were strong in culture, traditions, and also slow moving for Western society. He said there was no way it would have done well in US.
Contributed by Shri chandrashekar
of shankarjaikishan group on Yahoo
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