RISHI Kapoor gone away! I am destroyed, says Amitabh Bachchan sobbing; PM Modi, HM Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, CMs mourn his passing away

Within less than 24 hours, Indian cinema has lost two versatile and acclaimed actors to cancer. While India lost Irrfan Khan on April 29 morning, ever-smiling RISHI Kapoor, 67, succumbed to the same disease in Mumbai one day later.  The superstar was admitted to HN Reliance Hospital in the metropolis on Wednesday morning. Rishi Kapoor was battling cancer since 2018 and was in the US for treatment for a year. The actor’s elder brother, Randhir Kapoor, told the media on Wednesday night that he was admitted to the hospital following his health deteriorating. Bollywood biggie Amitabh Bachchan confirmed the sad news on Twitter. In March this year, Neetu Kapoor posted a ‘meal out’ photo with Rishi on Instagram. She wrote, “Meal out after a long period becomes so special!! You value each moment, enjoy every dish!” Rishi Kapoor was last seen in the web series The Body on Netflix. He had also shot for a film in Delhi earlier this year.

Rishi Kapoor, the second son of Raj Kapoor, debuted in Mera Naam Joker made under the banner of RK Films owned by his father. He played the role of a child artiste. The actor received a National Award for Mera Naam Joker. However, it was BOBBY made in 1973 opposite Dimple Khanna who later married legendary Bollywood hero Rajesh Khanna, which recognized them as new generation actors. Rishi Kapoor was born in Bombay in a Punjabi family as Rishi Raj Kapoor to actor-film director Raj Kapoor and his wife Krishna Raj Kapoor née Malhotra.  He did his schooling with his brothers at Campion School, Mumbai, and Mayo College, Ajmer. Rishi Kapoor also director and producer of Indian movies. He won many awards in recognition of his outstanding performances. Rishi Kapoor along with Neetu Kapoor starred in as many as 12 films. From 1974-1997, Rishi Kapoor did films with solo leads and only 11 films did well on the box office while the other 40 films were not commercially successful. His 11 hit films were– Bobby, Laila Majnu, Rafoo Chakkar, Sargam, Karz, Prem Rog, Nagina, Honeymoon, Banjaran, Heena, and Bol Radha Bol. From 1974-1981, Rishi Kapoor paired with his would-be spouse e Neetu Kapoor, but the pair didn’t create magic. Only multi-starter movies with Neetu Kapoor were hit–Khel Khel Mein, Kabhie Kabhie, Amar Akbar Anthony, Pati Patni Aur Woh, Duniya Meri Jeb Mein. The movies where Rishi Kapoor was in a lead role with Neetu Kapoor were not commercially successful. These were- Zehreela Insaan, Zinda Dil, Doosra Aadmi, Anjane Mein, Jhoota Kahin Ka, Dhan Daulat, says trade analyst Taran Adarsh. Rishi Kapoor also acted in British films– Don’t Stop Dreaming and Sambar Salsa. In 2010, Kapoor paired with Neetu Kapoor in the film ‘Do Dooni Chaar’. He also acted in the film Chintu Ji where he plays himself. In 1999, Rishi Kapoor directed ‘Aa Ab Laut Chalen’.  In 2000, he did his last romantic lead in the film ‘Karobaar: The Business of Love’ which was a flop. After his several box office flops as the lead role, Rishi Kapoor did support roles in the 2000s. In 2012, Rishi Kapoor appeared in Agneepath as a villain and in multi-starrer Housefull with his brother Randhir Kapoor for the first time. Besides wife Neetu Kapoor nee Singh, Rishi Kapoor is survived by Ranbir Kapoor, actor, and Ridhima Kapoor Sahani, designer. Prime Minister in his condolence message says multifaceted, endearing, and lively…this was Rishi Kapoor Ji. He was a powerhouse of talent. I will always recall our interactions, even on social media. He was passionate about films and India’s progress. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family and fans. Om Shanti. Mourning his demise, Home Minister Amit Shah says he was pained to know about the passing away of legendary actor Rishi Kapoor. He was an institution in himself. Rishi ’s demise is an irreparable loss for Indian cinema. He will always be remembered for his exceptional acting skills. Condolences to his family & followers. Om Shanti! Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his WB counterpart Mamata Banerjee have also conveyed condolences on Twitter. (edited by PKC)