The Bollywood film fraternity is reeling after losing one of its all time greats. Rishi Kapoor, Bollywood’s old school romantic heartthrob who first shot to fame in 1973 with his first lead role in Bobby, died yesterday after a long fight with cancer. He was 67.
A still from Bobby.
Beloved by legions of fans all over the world, Kapoor’s family is often called Bollywood’s first family. His father Raj Kapoor was often regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors and filmmakers in the history of Hindi cinema. One of five children, his siblings, siblings, Randhir, Ritu Nanda, Rima Jain and Rajeev Kapoor, are prominent names in India’s film industry.
He was known for his box-office breaking films films Amar Akbar Anthony, Laila Majnu, Rafoo Chakkar , Sargam, Karz, Bol Radha Bol and others. In the last few years, he was seen in films such as Kapoor and Sons, D-Day, Mulk and 102 Not Out.
He recently announced that he make a comeback after his illness starring opposite Bollywood A-lister Deepika Padukone in a remake of the Hollywood hit “The Intern.”
Rishi Kapoor acts alongside his wife Neetu Singh.
He went on to play the romantic lead in 92 films between 1973 and 2000. Later, Kapoor’s son Ranbir took over his father’s mantle as the industry’s romantic hero when he made his debut in Bollywood in the 2000s.
Rishi Kapoor was diagnosed with cancer in 2018, and had a two-year-long fight with the disease which saw him move overseas to New York for treatment. He returned to India in September 2019 after recovering.
Press Trust of India reported on Wednesday that Kapoor’s family had taken him to hospital after he complained of breathing problem.
“He is in the hospital. He is suffering from cancer and he has some breathing problem, so he has been admitted to the hospital. He is stable now,” PTI had quoted his brother Randhir as saying.
His family later confirmed the news that the actor had died pecefully after a two year battle with leukaemia.
“The doctors and medical staff at the hospital said he kept them entertained to the last. He remained jovial and determined to live to the fullest right through two years of treatment across two continents. Family, friends, food and films remained his focus and everyone who met him during this time was amazed at how he did not let his illness get the better of him.
“He was grateful for the love of his fans that poured in from the world over. In his passing, they would all understand that he would like to be remembered with a smile and not with tears.”
Tributes have started pouring in for the veteran actor.
My heart is so heavy. This is the end of an era. #Rishisir your candid heart and immeasurable talent will never be encountered again. Such a privilege to have known you even a little bit. My condolences to Neetu maam, Ridhima, Ranbir and the rest of the family. Rest in peace Sir. pic.twitter.com/TR6GVSN4m7
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) April 30, 2020
Unbelievable that such a warm human being-Rishi Kapoor is no more!Recall all my movies with him Ek Chadar Maili si, Naseeb etc &under my direction,Tell me oh Khuda. Such a lively interaction with him always!My heart goes out to dear Neetu, Ranbir & all his family. God be with thm
— Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) April 30, 2020
We have lost one of the greats today. An amazing actor, a wonderful human being, and 100% a child of Cinema.
Thank you for all the joy you brought to our lives.
Thank you for being the actor and human being that you were.
You will be badly missed Rishiji.
Love.
a.— Aamir Khan (@aamir_khan) April 30, 2020
Like the end of an era. The end of romance .. the end of our youth #Chintu will miss you dearly ..
— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) April 30, 2020
He is survived by wife Neetu Kapoor, son Ranbir and daughter Riddhima Kapoor.
