Rishi Kapoor, born in 1952, belonged to the “First Family” of Bollywood. He was a gem to the film industry; his words inspired many actors. He achieved fame, love, respect from his co-actors, directors, producers, family, friends and fans. It is the end of an epic life. His stories will remain in our hearts and his work will never be forgotten. He will remain a Legend.
The Kapoor Family are the gems of the film industry, Raj Kapoor, Rajiv Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Karishma Kapoor, all have given us memorable roles since so many years.
The life of fame
Rishi Kapoor was born in a family known for fame in the industry. The first time he got a touch of big screen was in his father’s movie, Shree 420 in 1955. He was three years old and appeared in the song Pyar hua iqrar hua hai. His actual debut was in Mera Naam Joker in 1970, directed by his father who also starred in the movie.
Rishi Kapoor’s first lead role was in Bobby (1973) opposite Dimple Kapadia. For this role, he received the Filmfare award for the best actor in the leading role. He starred in many lead roles, unfortunately only eleven of them were a hit on the box office. He starred in 41 multi starred movies and 25 of them were a success.
Rishi Kapoor was a legend and his acting was admired by the world. He starred in British movies as well and he was loved by all ~ Don’t stop dreaming and Sambar Salsa.
One of his most spine-chilling performance was in Agneepath (2011), where he played the role of villain, Rauf Lala, starring Hrithik Roshan. His multi starred movie Housefull 2 where he acted with his brother Randhir Kapoor for the first time.
He acted opposite Amitabh Bachchan in 102 not out after 27 years. Interesting fact, in the movie “102 not out”, was that the age gap between father and son was also 27 years. He played a memorable character in Kapoor and sons. His makeup was a task that took 12-13 hours for perfection. He received many awards including, Best actor in the supporting role by Zee cine awards, Filmfare awards, Screen Awards and best actor in a comic role by Zee cine awards.
Rishi Kapoor was seen opposite his wife Neetu Singh in many movies including Love Aaj Kal, Besharam (2010) and Jab tak hai Jaan (2012).
In January 2017, he released his autobiography Khullam Khulla: Rishi Kapoor uncensored.
In 2019, he appeared in two movies, Jhootha Kahin ka and The Body. His performance in The Body and Mulk was admired by everyone. He was shooting for Sharmaji Namkeen before he passed away.
Awards
Rishi Kapoor received his first awards for the Best Actor in the Lead role for his first movie Bobby in 1970. He received many awards for his outstanding performances and achievements.
~ National Filmfare award for Joker;
~ Filmfare Lifetime Achievement award;
~ In 2009, he was honoured by the Russian Government for his contribution in the cinema;
~ In 2010, Best Actor in the supporting role for Love Aaj kal;
~ In 2011, Best Lifetime Jodi award, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh and Filmfare Critics award for Best Actor in Do Dooni Chaar;
~ TOIFA, Best Actor in a Negative role for Agneepath;
~ In 2016, Screen Lifetime Achievement award;
~ Four awards for his memorable performance in Kapoor and sons.
There is no conclusion for a ‘legend’ like Rishi Kapoor. He was a man of grace, love and respect. His warmth was admired by all and his life will never be forgotten. He has shown us the power, positivity and confidence we often lack. In his last days while beating Leukaemia, he showed a happy face with no fear. He was unwell for last two years and was undergoing treatment in New York.
The cinema changed because of his performances and achievements. He is The Dafli Man of Bollywood. While the news of his death shocked the country, only one dialogue was remembered by all.
Jaane se pehle ek aakhri baar milna kyu zaroori hota hai..?
By Yumna Fatima
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