Actor Rishi Kapoor dies of cancer in Mumbai hospital

Mumbai, April 30

Rishi Kapoor, the romantic star of many a Bollywood film who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2018, died in a Mumbai hospital on Thursday, his brother Randhir Kapoor said. He was 67.

Rishi, a third-generation actor of the famous Kapoor dynasty, is survived by his wife Neetu Kapoor, actor son Ranbir and daughter Ridhima.

“He is no more. He has passed away,” Randhir told PTI.        

Also read: Rishi Kapoor funeral: Actor to be cremated at Chandanwadi Crematorium in Mumbai

Rishi was taken to the H N Reliance hospital by his family on Wednesday.

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

His death comes a day after after his “D-Day” co-star Irrfan Khan passed away, also of cancer. Three months ago, the disease claimed his sister Ritu Nanda.

Also read: Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan arrive at hospital; police deployed

“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.

To one of the most amazing actors and person all around. You will forever be remembered and missed. Chintuji 🙏#RIPRishiKapoor

— Kajol (@itsKajolD) April 30, 2020

“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,” the family said in a statement.

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 !!

— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) April 30, 2020

Rishi returned to India last September after undergoing treatment for his cancer in the US for almost a year.

Also read: 'Gone too soon': Rishi Kapoor's demise leaves Bollywood in shock; Tharoor shares old pics

Also read: 'He was determined to live life to the fullest', says Rishi Kapoor's family in mourning

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

In February, he was hospitalised twice.

He was first admitted to a hospital in Delhi where he was attending a family function. At the time, he had said he was suffering from an “infection”.

After his return to Mumbai, he was again admitted to a hospital with viral fever. He was discharged soon after.

Also read: 'D-Day': Rishi Kapoor, Irrfan Khan's picture goes viral, fans mourn loss of 2 stars in 2 days

Rishi made his first screen appearance as a child artiste in his father Raj Kapoor’s film “Shri 420”, where he appeared in the song “Pyaar hua ekraar hua”. This was followed by “Mera Naam Joker”. But it was in 1973, with the blockbuster “Bobby”, again directed by his father, that he made his debut as a romantic hero. He continued to be a favourite romantic hero for almost three decades.

Also read: Experimentation defines his new role

His notable films as a romantic hero are “Laila Majnu”, “Rafoo Chakkar”, “Karz”, “Chandni”, “Heena” and “Saagar”.

Also read: RisHIFIVE!

He was, however, more proud of his second innings as an actor, which he found more satisfying. His notable films as a character artiste are “Do Dooni Chaar” with wife Neetu, “Agnipath” and “Kapoor & Sons”. PTI

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.