Bollywood legend Rishi Kapoor is no more. He passed away today morning at H.N.Reliance Hospital, Mumbai. He was admitted to this hospital yesterday due to breathing problem. Rishi kapoor was suffering from Cancer since last two years and was also treated in USA hospital almost for a year. But, he fought a brave battle and returned last year in a happy mood and was in all preparedness to be back in action. Having performed in 150+ films, he was a versatile actor who always experimented to do something different in every new character he played with total commitment.
Having started performing in films as a child artiste in films like Shree 420 and ‘Mera Naam Joker’, he made his debut as a leading actor at the age of 21 with ‘Bobby’ which turned out to be a super hit film. After this successful launch, talented Rishi Kapoor never looked back and he went on to progress with many successful films like Laila Majnu, Rafoo Chakkar , Sargam, Karz, Prem Rog, Nagina, Honeymoon, Chandni, Heena and Bol Radha Bol, Yeh Vaada Raha, Khel Khel Mein, Kabhi Kabhi, Hum Kisise Kum Naheen, Badalte Rishtey, Aap Ke Deewane, Saagar, Ajooba, Chandni, Deewana , Damini , Coolie, Daraar and many more films with variety of roles.
Always in a jovial mood, he offered his views very frankly like a responsible citizen on happenings around. I was lucky to interact with this great actor on four occasions. First it was in 1989 during the muhurat of multi starrer film ‘Sheshnaag’ at Chandivali studios. Then very next year, I met him at Kamalistan studio while he was shooting for Shashi Kapoor’s fantasy filled film ‘Ajooba’, when I saw him in a good mood once again. In March 2008 it was our third meeting at Rennaisance , Powai when h was felicitated by FICCI-Frames along with Sridevi at the hands of Yash Chopra. “This is the most memorable moment in my life” he said in excitement. And on the last occasion I met him was in December 2014 at Bandra during the music launch of the Marathi film ‘Murder Mystery’ produced by Abrar Nadiadwala , where he was invited as a chief guest. Perfectly dressed up for that occasion, he wished the film all the best and also admitted that he did watch some Marathi films as they offered good subjects.
With his sad demise the film industry has lost a finest actor, who had much more to offer. My deep condolences to Neetuji, Ranbir, Ridhima and other members of Kapoor family.