Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor passed away this morning in Mumbai succumbing to Leukemia after a two-year-long struggle. The 67-year-old actor who made his debut as a lead actor with Bobby in 1973 alongside Dimple Kapadia was admitted to the HN Reliance hospital on Wednesday morning after his health had reportedly deteriorated.
In 2018, the actor fondly referred to as ‘Chintu’, was diagnosed with cancer and went to New York for his treatment. In September 2019, he returned to Mumbai after reportedly recovering from the same.
The news broke on Thursday morning with a tweet by his 102 Not Out costar Amitabh Bachchan. The tweet read, “T 3517 – He’s GONE .. ! Rishi Kapoor .. gone .. just passed away .. I am destroyed !”. Although, Bachchan deleted the tweet after a while.
WhatsApp Image 2020-04-30 at 9.39.27 AM
The actor’s family – Neetu Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor and Riddhima Kapoor Sahani, also confirmed the same with a note about how the actor always kept the people around him happy even while he was struggling.
“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 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 recognise 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,” read the note.
Message from #RishiKapoor’s family… pic.twitter.com/mAmTMqynqd
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) April 30, 2020
The Indian film industry and several other personalities, shocked by the news, have been pouring out their emotions through obituary tributes.
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
This is a terrible week for Indian cinema, with the passing of another legend, actor Rishi Kapoor. A wonderful actor, with a huge fan following across generations, he will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family, friends & fans all over the world, at this time of grief.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 30, 2020
Cant believe it. Chintu ji @chintskap. (Mr.Rishi Kapoor) was always ready with a smile. We had mutual love and respect. Will miss my friend. My heartfelt condolence to the family.
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) April 30, 2020
Heartbroken … Rest In Peace … my dearest friend #RishiKapoor
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) April 30, 2020
Grief-stricken by the demise of the charismatic actor Rishi Kapoor ji . A Versatile Performer… who I always admired . An actor from a legendary family entertaining us for decades gone too soon . Condolences to the entire family . RIP . #Rishikapoor pic.twitter.com/Q0EbEXADZm
— Allu Arjun (@alluarjun) April 30, 2020
I will miss you Chintu sir. pic.twitter.com/ioWvKiJZxr
— Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay) April 30, 2020
This is unreal and unbelievable. Yesterday Irrfan Khan and today Rishi Kapoor ji. It’s hard to accept this as a legend passes away today. My condolences to the family and may his soul rest in peace 😟💔
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) April 30, 2020
One blow after another. Rishi ji’s passing away is nothing short of a stab to my heart. We associated in Raju Chacha (2000) and stayed in touch through…until now. Condolences to Neetuji, Ranbir, Riddhima & Dabbooji 🙏
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) April 30, 2020
#RishiKapoor से ज़्यादा ज़िंदादिल, बेबाक़,ज़ोर ज़ोर से ठहाके लगाने वाला,एक बच्चे जैसी जिज्ञासा रखने वाला मैंने अपनी ज़िंदगी में कभी नहीं देखा।भगवान ने उनका साँचा बनाकर तोड़ दिया था।दुख इतना गहरा है, आँसू निकल ही नहीं रहे।NY में उनके साथ आख़िरी वीडियो।आप हमेशा रहोगे।Hello!Hello!🙏 pic.twitter.com/OxfH7nvWbL
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) April 30, 2020
Tears roll down while I write. I have lost my dear friend who was like an elder brother to me. #RishiKapoor
— RAJ BANSAL (@rajbansal9) April 30, 2020
Been trying to write something n I can’t put my mind n hands in sync. More like the heart in between is just not able to comprehend this. That laugh, that sense of humour, the honesty and even the bully he was , will be missed. No one like you #RishiKapoor
— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) April 30, 2020
WATCH | “Today, I feel absolutely numb”: Director Subhash Ghai mourns #RishiKapoor‘s death. pic.twitter.com/BqxCurZJxY
— NDTV (@ndtv) April 30, 2020
With tears in my eyes I bid this adieu..to an actor who played my brother,father n also my hero eventually..whose songs I grew up loving n dancing to..my most favourite n versatile actor..what a pity never got to meet him after his return n now never will
RIP Rishi kapoor 🙏🏼— Urmila Matondkar (@UrmilaMatondkar) April 30, 2020
You will always be in our hearts sir. Your charm your warmth and your unforgettable performances will give light to us all in the darkest moments. Deepest condolences to Neetuji , Ranbir and the entire family. pic.twitter.com/QsLYZ9ee0B
— Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor) April 30, 2020
Kya kahun? Kya likhu kuch samajh mein nahi aaraha hai.Rishi ji ke nidhan se mujhe bahut dukh ho raha hai.Unke jaane se film industry ki bahut haani hui hai. Ye dukh sehena mere liye bahut mushkil hai.Bhagwan unki aatma ko shanti pradan karein.
— Lata Mangeshkar (@mangeshkarlata) April 30, 2020
No no no no …. this is not happening …!! This is sad …………… … very very very very very sad…!!! 🙈…. I’m shocked beyond words …..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— Juhi Chawla (@iam_juhi) April 30, 2020
Rishi was also seen as a child actor in films such as Mera Naam Joker, his debut for which he received a National award, and Shree 420. The son of legendary actor Raj Kapoor was last seen in Malayalam director Jeethu Joseph‘s 2019 mystery-thriller The Body alongside Emraan Hashmi. In January, the actor was shooting for Hitesh Bhatia’s Sharmaji Namkeen costarring Juhi Chawla.
so devastated and heartbroken again💔The man of love laughter & joy a symbol of humanity and dignity a gentleman of complete integrity such an honor to know you closely and learning about life,you are a true https://t.co/8DDAVeyn5t will be missed Largely #RishiKapoor🙏Respect❤️ pic.twitter.com/DHRxyeBzwO
— Honey Trehan (@HoneyTrehan) April 30, 2020
He was also to feature in the Indian adaptation of the 2015 Hollywood dramedy The Intern alongside Deepika Padukone.
WOW!😲❤💥 Deepika Padukone just announced her new film! Indian adaptation of The Intern, co-starting Rishi Kapoor😀👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/SImxos3NxF
— Deepika Padukone FC (@DeepikaPFC) January 27, 2020
