Two years since we lost one of India’s finest actors due to his impeccable and memorable performances. Rishi Ji breathed his last at HN Reliance Hospital in South Mumbai after a long two-year battle with leukemia. We all know that Rishi Kapoor in his eminent career has delivered many blockbusters that have won millions of hearts. His screen presence is jolly but those who are in his close circle know that he was unpredictable and hot-blooded. Rishi Ji was honest and always used to speak his mind.
Rishi Kapoor is a controversial man with many socio-political comments. His account is full of uncensored innuendos on Twitter and in his media interviews. In March 2016, he criticized the Gandhi family for naming roads, buildings and national assets in the name of Gandhi and Nehru. Again, in September 2017, he criticized Rahul Gandhi over dynastic politics. Similarly, in March 2020, he expressed anger against the Indian Judiciary with the “Tareekh Pe Tareekh” dialogue of his film Damini over the delay in execution of the four perpetrators who were convicted in the Nirbhaya case.
Born in south Mumbai, Rishi Kapoor is the second son of film director and actor Raj Kapoor. Rishi Kapoor was affectionately called by the name Chintu by his friends and family or Chintuji with respect by his juniors. He debuted in his father’s 1970 film Mera Naam Joker by playing his father’s childhood. Later in the year 1973, Rishi Kapoor had his first lead role opposite Dimple Kapadia in Bobby. Bobby was a blockbuster and was a hit among youngsters. He worked with many co-stars during his career and he married his co-star, Neetu Singh.
Rishi Kapoor is remembered for his impeccable performance in his 51 films in total. Films like Khel Khel Mein, Kabhie Kabhie, Amar Akbar Anthony, Rafoo Chakkar, Laila Majnu, Sargam, Karz, Prem Rog, Nagina, Heena, Bol Radha Bol, Deewana, Damini and Eena Meena Dika are still majorly watched films of Bollywood. In 1999 he directed the film Aa Ab Laut Chalen. He can also be seen in supporting roles in Yeh Hai Jalwa, Hum Tum, Fanaa, Namaste London, Love Aaj Kal and Patiala House. He also appeared in the British films Don’t Stop Dreaming and Sambar Salsa.
In 2017, Rishi Kapoor launched his biography titled Khullam Khulla. The book lives up to its title as he isn’t afraid to speak his mind at any cost. He is as straightforward in the book as he is on his Twitter account. The book is a whole package that depicts the journey of his career, family, friends and life.
Rishi Ji owns a National Film Award for his debut role as a child actor in Mera Naam Joker. Rishi is the soul of 70s and 80s romantic era of Bollywood. Rishi Kapoor’s last film was Sharmaji Namkeen. He played a closet chef in the film which he couldn’t finish. Later the film was completed by Paresh Rawal.
