Rishi Kapoor, affectionately known as Chintu was born into the legendary Bollywood Kapoor family. His journey in Bollywood started as a child actor and from there on he only rose to become one the most amazing, admired actors of all time. His fan following grew immensely, and so did his role as a romantic hero.
His first appearance on screen was at the age of 3, when we featured in Raj Kapoor’s song, Pyaar Hua Ikraar Hua Hai. He made his debut in the film Mera Naam Joker, in which he played the younger version of Raj Kapoor. His first lead role as an adult was in the film Bobby which went on to become one the biggest hits of the decade. Following that he starred in light-hearted roles in comedies such as Rafoo Chakkar, Amar Akbar Anthony, Khel Khel Mein and Hum Kisise Kam Nahin.
He worked with his wife, Neetu Singh for the first time in the movie Zehreela Aadmi, followed by Kabhi Kabhi and Doosra Aadmi. The two went on to become a much-loved on-screen pair. He then featured in what was called the cult classic – Karz. He appeared in Prem Rog, which was considered to be one of his best works. Another highlight of his career was the film Sagar, which reunited him with Dimple Kapadia after their successful pairing in Bobby. Furthermore, he featured in a variety of multi-starrer movies in the 80s like Naseeb, Kaatilon Ke Kaatil, Coolie, Dosti Dushmani, Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani and Gharana. During his career between the 70s and 2000, he starred as a romantic lead in various films like Raaja, Laila Majnu, Sargam, Bade Dilwala, Chandni, Bol Radha Bol, Deewana and Karobaar.
Rishi starred in a romantic film, Henna which was India’s submission to the Academy Awards for Best Foriegn Film circa 1991. He made a debut as a director with the movie Aa Ab Laut Chalen, which was his only work as a director.
Post 2000, Rishi transitioned into character roles which added much appreciation to his talent. He appeared in several supporting roles in the movies Hum Tum, Fanaa, Namastey London, Love Aaj Kal and appeared in the British English-language films Don’t Stop Dreaming and Sambar Salsa. He went on to play versatile roles in the movies Agneepath, Aurangzeb, Student of the Year, D-Day and Housefull 2. He was much appreciated for his work in Do Dooni Char and Kapoor & Sons, following which starred opposite Amitabh Bachchan in the unforgettable film 102 Not Out. He appeared in the movie Besharam with his wife Neetu Singh and son Ranbir Kapoor. Another one of his critically acclaimed roles was in the film Mulk. His last movie appearance was in the film The Body in 2019.
Rishi Kapoor has a lot of awards to his name. He won the National Film Award for Mera Naam Joker, Filmfare Best Actor Award for Bobby, Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Love Aaj Kal, Zee Cine Awards for Best Lifetime Jodi with Neetu Singh, The Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA), Best Actor in a Negative Role for Agneepath, Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for Kapoor & Sons and Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role for Kapoor & Sons to name a few. He was also honoured by the Russian Government for his contribution to cinema.
He was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2018 and passed away on 30th April 2020 at the age of 67. The industry has suffered a major loss with the demise of Mr. Rishi Kapoor, a much loved actor, father, husband and co-star.
