Enamul Hafiz Latifee reports,
Rishi Kapoor, the beloved star of films such as Bobby and Chandni, died in a hospital in Mumbai at the age of 67 on Thursday, 30 April 2020. He waged a long two-year battle against cancer and had spent much of last year in New York being treated.
Star of films such as Amar Akbar Anthony and Khel Khel Mein, Rishi Kapoor was a much-loved member of the film fraternity, as much for his sense of humour and zest for life as for his talent.
A statement from the Kapoor family said that the actor “remained jovial” and “kept doctors entertained till the end.”
Rishi Kapoor, who was famously fond of life, “would like to be remembered with a smile and not with tears,” The family has also appealed that lockdown rules be respected by Mr. Kapoor’s fans and well-wishers.
On Thursday afternoon, Neetu Kapoor shared the family statement in an Instagram post:
You may read the entire statement here, below:
“Our dear Rishi Kapoor passed away peacefully at 8:45 am IST in hospital today after a two-year battle with leukemia. 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.
In this hour of personal loss, we also recognize the world is going through a very difficult and troubled time. There are numerous restrictions around movement and gathering in public. We would like to request all his fans and well-wishers and friends of the family to please respect the laws that are in force.
He would not have it any other way.”
On Rishi Kapoor’s demise, condolences were posted by the Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “He was so full of life that it’s difficult to believe that he is no more,” tweet President Kovind.
Rishi Kapoor’s untimely demise is shocking. An evergreen personality with an always smiling face, he was so full of life that it's difficult to believe that he is no more. A huge loss for the entertainment industry. Let us pray for his soul. Condolences to his family and friends.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 30, 2020
The Indian PM Narendra Modi described Mr. Kapoor as “multi-faceted, endearing and lively” and said he would remember their social media interactions.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 30, 2020
Amit Shah, notable Indian politician serving as Minister of Home Affairs who has served as President of the Bharatiya Janata Party from 2014 to 2020, twitted,
Pained to know about the passing away of legendary actor Rishi Kapoor ji. He was an institution in himself. Rishi ji’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
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 30, 2020
This is the film fraternity’s second loss in as many days – Irrfan Khan died at the age of 53, after being admitted to Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Tuesday, 28 April 2020, where he was under observation for colon infection. Rishi Kapoor had been taken to hospital, his brother Randhir Kapoor confirmed to news agency PTI yesterday, 29 April 2020. “He is in the hospital. He is suffering from cancer and he has some breathing problems, so he has been admitted to the hospital. He is stable now,” Randhir Kapoor told PTI.
Another Bollywood heartthrob, Dharmendra Deol recalls his on his tragic demise on Twitter,
सदमे के बाद सदमा, रिशी भी चला गया ..He fought a brave battle against cancer.
He was like son to me.I am extremely sad and shattered.Pray for his family 🙏🏻#RishiKapoor pic.twitter.com/jKCD8sYioC— Dharmendra Deol (@aapkadharam) April 30, 2020
Rishi Kapoor’s friend, Harsh Goenka, current Chairman of RPG Group conglomerate twitted that the Bollywood actor had a wish to live up to 102 years,
I wish my friend had lived to his promise of 102 not out! #RishiKapoor
— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) April 30, 2020
The veteran actor, Rishi Kapoor began his career with roles in his father Raj Kapoor’s films. As a child, he made an appearance in the Shree 420 song Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua. He played a young version of his father in 1970 film Mera Naam Joker, winning the National Award for Best Child Artist for his performance. Three years later, he made his debut as a leading man in Bobby. Rishi Kapoor swiftly became the top romantic hero of his day with films such as Rafoo Chakkar and Karz. Mr. Kapoor worked his entire life, delivering some of his best performances in later films like 2012’s Agneepath and 2018’s Mulk.
Rishi Kapoor is survived by his wife Neetu Kapoor, son Ranbir, daughter Riddhima and other members of the vast film dynasty he belonged to, among them elder brother Randhir Kapoor and nieces Kareena and Karisma.
Rishi Kapoor’s last rites were held shortly at the Chandanwadi crematorium in Mumbai on Thursday afternoon, attended by family and a handful of close friends.
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