A file photo of Rishi Kapoor.
Highlights
- "Will miss my friend," tweeted Kamal Haasan
- "Heartbroken," tweeted Rajinikanth
- "My heart is so heavy," tweeted Priyanka Chopra
Thursday marked another sad day for Bollywood - veteran actor Rishi Kapoor died at the age of 67 in a Mumbai hospital, after a long battle with cancer. He was "jovial" and kept hospital staff entertained till the end, the Kapoor family said in a statement. A day ago, the film fraternity lost Irrfan Khan, also to cancer. Rishi Kapoor was taken to hospital yesterday, which his brother Randhir Kapoor confirmed to news agency PTI: "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."
Bollywood, united by grief, has poured it's heart out on social media. From Rajinikanth, Lata Mangeshkar and Kamal Haasan to Priyanka Chopra and Akshay Kumar, many stars posted eulogies for the Bollywood veteran. Superstar Rajinikanth tweeted: "Heartbroken ... Rest In Peace ... my dearest friend Rishi Kapoor."
Shatrughan Singha, who worked with Rishi Kapoor in Naseeb, tweeted, "Shocking! Unbelievable! News we all woke up to, the untimely passing away of our own "Khullam Khulla" Rishi Kapoor. He was the most desirable, star, actor, with great qualities, jovial,charming, adorable, most loved,producer, director and what not."
Rishi Kapoor's Gurudev co-star and close friend Anil Kapoor posted a throwback picture and he wrote an extensive note for the actor, who he loving called James. "To my Dear James, I don't know where to begin.. From growing up to living our dreams on screen , we were together through it all.... You were like an elder brother to me, a shoulder when I needed the support, a mentor when I needed that push and a friend always. Thankyou for the endless love you gave your family and me. You were like a son to my mother and you knew that Krishna aunty was always like a mother to me. Along with everything that you were for your friends and family, you were a beacon of inspiration for cinema lovers everywhere. I will miss you every day...Nothing will be the same without you. But I will always celebrate your life like you wanted us to. Your Patton forever," read Anil Kapoor's eulogy for Rishi Kapoor.
An emotional Lata Mangeshkar, who was very close to the actor, tweeted: "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.."
Kamal Haasan, in his tweet, wrote: "Can't believe my Chintu (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."
Subhash Ghai, who directed Rishi Kapoor in Karz and was a close friend of the actor for over four decades, tweeted: "It's a disaster. unbearable, shocking, unbelievable..My dearest friend for 40 years is no more.People call him Rishi Kapoor. I knew him as Chintu. My best friend, my best actor, my guide. Met him last at his home. A man of undying energy gone. Shocked."
Rishi Kapoor's Fanaa co-star Aamir Khan tweeted: "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."
Salman Khan, who starred with Rishi Kapoor in Yeh Hai Jalwa, tweeted: "Rest in peace Chintu Sirrr, kaha suna maaf , strength , peace and light to family and friends."
Madhuri Dixit, who starred with Rishi Kapoor in Yaraana and Prem Granth, shared a still from a film and wrote: "I've had the honour of working with Rishi ji. A larger than life person, so outspoken yet so warm. We have lost a brilliant actor today. Still can't believe it.. absolutely heartbroken. My prayers are with the family during this tough time.
Deepika Padukone who was meant to star with Rishi Kapoor in the Bollywood remake of The Intern, mourned his death by sharing a picture of a back screen. The actress visisted Rishi Kapoor in New York while he was undergoing treatment there.
Priyanka Chopra, who co-starred with the actor in the 2012 Agneepath remake, shared a throwback picture of herself along with the actor and his wife Neetu Kapoor. " 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, Riddhima, Ranbir and the rest of the family. Rest in peace Sir."
Akshay Kumar, who worked with Rishi Kapoor in films like Patiala House, Namastey London, and Housefull 2, wrote: "It seems like we're in the midst of a nightmare...just heard the depressing news of #RishiKapoor ji passing away, it's heartbreaking. He was a legend, a great co-star and a good friend of the family. My thoughts and prayers with his family."
Lyricist Javed Akhtar recalled the time when he first met the actor and wrote: "Today I have lost a dear friend Rishi Kapoor. We had first met in Banglore in 1973 .He had come for a charity show of Bobby n I was there for Sholay's shooting We met in the evening n kept talking till the wee hours to begin a friendship for 47 yrs. Good bye dear friend."
"Deepest condolences to the Kapoor family. Sorry I can't be with you in your hour of grief, although Chintu was always always by my side through thick and thin. This picture of our last meeting is how I shall remember him. He remains eternal and special," tweeted Asha Bhosle.
Ramayan star Arun Govil tweeted, "Shocked...another heart breaking news...Rishi Kapoor...a man of great talent...a legend of Indian Cinema...had a long way to go."
Dipika Chikhlia Topiwala, who starred as Sita in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan, tweeted this:
"And we can't even mourn the loss together in these times. Feels very heavy," tweeted Nandita Das.
Sanjay Dutt, who co-starred with Rishi Kapoor in films such as the Agneepath remake and Sahibaan wrote, "I will miss you Chintu Sir," and shared a post about how the Bollywood veteran helped him in his low days.
"With tears in my eyes I bid this adieu to an actor who played my brother, father and also my hero eventually, whose songs I grew up loving n dancing to my most favourite and versatile actor. What a pity never got to meet him after his return n now never will. RIP Rishi Kapoor," tweeted Rishi Kapoor's Tehzeebco-star Urmila Matondkar .
"To one of the most amazing actors and person all around. You will forever be remembered and missed. Chintuji," tweeted Kajol.
Anushka Sharma, who starred with the actor in Patiala House, tweeted:
Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Rishi Kapoor's co-star in Manto and Family wrote: "This is the worst phase for the Indian Cinema, it's an end to an era. Was fortunate to have worked with him in Manto and shall cherish those beautiful moments throughout my life. A true entertainer. Rishi Kapoor Sir RIP."
Taapsee Pannu, who starred with Rishi Kapoor in Anubhav Sinha's Mulk, tweeted: "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 Rishi Kapoor."
Imtiaz Ali, who directed Rishi Kapoor in Love Aaj Kal, wrote:"Something precious became past today. But this time will not take him away. I haven't met him for so long anyway, I will think he is still there, smiling. And I can still think of the little time I could spend with him, and smile with him."
Ranveer Singh posted this picture with a broken heart emoticon.
Rishi Kapoor is survived by his wife Neetu Kapoor, son Ranbir and daughter Riddhima. His last project was the 2019 films The Body. The actor had also signed a project with Deepika Padukone.