Born in Chembur, Rishi Kapoor was the second son of actor-director Raj Kapoor and his wife Krishna Raj Kapoor. He did his schooling at Campion School, Mumbai, and Mayo College, Ajmer. A member of Kapoor clan, he grew as a star kid alongside his brothers Randhir Kapoor and Rajiv Kapoor. Shashi Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor were his paternal uncles and themselves great actors. And so Rishi was destined to enter the film industry.
Career in Film IndustryRishi Kapoor debuted in Raj Kapoor's (his father) 1970 film
Mera Naam Joker, playing the childhood role of his father. He received the National Film Award for this role. However, he made his film debut as an adult, with
Bobby, opposite Dimple Kapadia, and received the Filmfare Best Actor Award in 1974. Since then he played leading roles as the romantic lead in many films between 1973 and 2000. The actor will be best remembered for his movies like
Bobby, Laila Majnu, Rafoo Chakkar, Sargam, Karz, Prem Rog, Nagina, Chandni, Heena, Bol Radha Bol to name few. Considered as one of the finest actors in Indian cinema, he worked with many eminent actors and directors. He debuted as director in
Aa Ab Laut Chalen (1999).
He moved on to supporting roles in the 2000s. Since then he appeared in
Fanaa, Namastey London, Love Aaj Kal, and
Patiala House. He also appeared in British films
Don't Stop Dreaming (2007) and
Sambar Salsa (2008). He reunited onscreen with his wife Neetu Singh in the film
Do Dooni Chaar (2010). He appeared with Amitabh Bachchan in 102 Not Out, a comedy-drama film directed by Umesh Shukla. The film received mixed reviews. His last outing was '
The Body' which also starred Emraan Hashmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, and Vedhika. Rishi Kapoor married actress Neetu Singh on 22 January 1980. The couple has two children - actor Ranbir Kapoor and designer Riddhima Kapoor Sahani.
Honours and AwardsDuring his long career Rishi Kapoor received numerous honors and awards for spectacular screen performances. Some of the prominent ones are listed below.
1970 – National Film Award for Mera Naam Joker
1974 – Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Bobby
2008 – Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award
2009 – Honoured by Russian Government for contribution to cinema
2011 – Zee Cine Awards: Best Lifetime Jodi along with Neetu Singh
2011 – Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for Do Dooni Chaar
2013 – The Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA), Best Actor in a Negative Role for Agneepath
2016 – Screen Lifetime Achievement Award
2017 – Screen Award for Best Supporting Actor for Kapoor & Sons
2017 – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for Kapoor & Sons
2017 – Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Male for Kapoor & Sons
2017 – Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role for Kapoor & Sons
Illness and DeathIn 2018, Rishi Kapoor was diagnosed with cancer, following which the actor was in New York for more than a year to receive treatment. After his return to Mumbai, he was again admitted to a hospital with viral fever and discharged soon after. In February, he was hospitalized twice due to his health issues. He was admitted to H. N. Reliance Hospital, Mumbai on 29 April 2020 after he complained of having difficulty breathing. He passed away on 30 April 2020 at 5:20 AM. Several cinematic and other personalities paid tribute to the legendary actor.
Amitabh Bachchan: He’s GONE .. ! Rishi Kapoor .. gone .. just passed away ..
I am destroyed !
Narendra Modi: 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.
Rahul Gandhi: 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.
Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari: Dear Universe, Please find a way to get us out of this adversity.A beautiful, encouraging soul, phenomenal actor is gone. You will be fondly remembered #RishiKapoor Sir
Akshay Kumar: 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
Riteish Deshmukh: Am devastated, heartbroken... King of charm, King of Romance, the legendary actor Rishi ji just said ‘pack-up’. Not fair Sir, you said we will do a film together.... just not fair.
Prakash Javadekar: The sudden demise of actor Rishi Kapoor is shocking. He was not only a great actor but a good human being. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. Om Shanti
Abhishek (Fan)
Om Shanti.