“Shattered, heartbroken”: Bollywood mourns the demise of Rishi Kapoor
The legendary actor passed away after a two-year battle with cancer
Indian cinema is bereft. Just yesterday, film icon Irrfan Khan passed away. Now, Rishi Kapoor is no more.
Rishi was admitted to the HN Reliance Hospital in Mumbai by his family on Wednesday morning. The actor was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and had sought treatment in the USA for almost a year. Following his return to India, Rishi was hospitalised twice in February this year due to health problems.
Rishi’s passing was mourned by Indian film industry and beyond. His family issued a statement saying:
“Our dear Rishi Kapoor passed away peacefully at 8:45am 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 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.
He would not have it any other way."
Close friend and frequent collaborator Amitabh Bachchan was among the first to tweet about his demise. “He's GONE .. ! Rishi Kapoor .. gone .. just passed away .. I am destroyed !” he wrote.
Sharing a picture with Rishi and Neetu Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra tweeted,
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, Ridhima, Ranbir and the rest of the family. Rest in peace Sir. pic.twitter.com/TR6GVSN4m7
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) April 30, 2020
Aamir Khan shared a message remembering the actor.
We have lost one of the greats today. An amazing actor, a wonderful human being, and 100% a child of Cinema.
— Aamir Khan (@aamir_khan) April 30, 2020
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.
a.
Vicky Kaushal wrote he was shattered and heartbroken by the news. “The last time when I met him in NY, he was fighting the battle like a boss, with a smile on his face. This is utterly tragic and incomprehensible,” he tweeted.
Salman Khan had essayed Rishi Kapoor’s son in Yeh Hai Jalwa (2002). The actors were reportedly not on good terms over the years. Apologising for everything, Salman wrote,
Rest in peace chintu sirrr, kaha suna maaf , strength , peace n light to family n friends...
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) April 30, 2020
Farhan Akhtar tweeted,
Absolutely heartbroken. This is an irreparable loss. To the film industry. To the audiences. And to all who were blessed enough to know him personally. Love you Rishi uncle. #RIP
— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) April 30, 2020
Akshay Kumar tweeted,
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
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 30, 2020
Taapsee Pannu remembered her co-star from Mulk and Chashme Baddoor.
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
Ajay Devgn wrote,
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
Parineeti Chopra shared a picture from the sets of Shuddh Desi Romance and wrote,
This cannot be true! Rishi sir was my favourite man,and favourite co-star ever! I still remember being nervous around him in Shuddh Desi Romance. He would put me at ease and treat me just like a friend! Will never forget every advice,every joke he told. #RIP #RishiKapoor pic.twitter.com/dfIi935I0v
— Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) April 30, 2020
Raveena Tandon tweeted,
Seems like a part of my life , my childhood memories , my now .. all taken away so fast . Not fair chintu uncle. Not fair on all of us . We will miss you terribly.
— Raveena Tandon (@TandonRaveena) April 30, 2020
Diana Penty shared,
Just can’t seem to make sense of what is going on. Indian cinema is never going to be the same without you, #RishiKapoor Sir. Your boyish charm, charisma, versatility and boundless talent will always be remembered. My condolences to the family
— Diana Penty (@DianaPenty) April 30, 2020
