By Arré Bench Apr. 30, 2020
A look at some throwback pictures and memories of Rishi Kapoor – Chintu uncle for some, a dear friend for many.
It’s a sad day for the Indian cinema and for many of us who grew up on a heavy dose of Hindi movies. While we still grieve the untimely passing of the inimitable Irrfan Khan, this morning came bearing the unfortunate news of veteran actor Rishi Kapoor’s demise after a prolonged battle with leukaemia. Born into the first family of Bollywood – the Kapoor khandaan — the 67-year-old dedicated almost 50 years of his life to films. From the chocolate boy in Bobby whom everyone crushed on to the balding yet adorable old man in 102 Not Out, Rishi Kapoor has given us many moments to cherish. Off the screen, he was always smiling and his family and friends remember him as an elder brother, a dear friend, and an uncle who loved food.
In a heartfelt letter, Anil Kapoor remembers Rishi as an elder brother, a shoulder to lean on, a mentor for when he needed the push to carry on, but beyond it, as a dear friend all along. Calling him a “beacon of inspiration for cinema lovers everywhere”, Anil promises to celebrate Rishi Kapoor’s life just the way the late actor wanted the rest to.
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His nieces Karisma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan remember their Chintu uncle with much fondness. “Always looking over family,” Karisma writes, “Chintu uncle will miss discussing food and restaurants with you…”
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For Kareena, her papa Randhir Kapoor and Chintu uncle will always be “the best boys” she has ever known.
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The best boys I know… Papa and Chintu uncle ❤️❤️
A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan) on
Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar shared a picture of herself with Baby Rishi, recalling the days long gone. “Main shabdheen ho gayi hun (I’ve been rendered speechless),” she writes.
Kuch samay pehle Rishi ji ne mujhe unki aur meri ye tasveer bheji thi.wo sab din,sab baatein yaad aarahi hain. Main shabdheen hogayi hun. pic.twitter.com/IpwCKMqUBq
— Lata Mangeshkar (@mangeshkarlata) April 30, 2020
Boney Kapoor goes down the memory lane and shares some old black-and-white childhood pictures. Even at this moment,” the producer says, “just thinking about you brings a smile on my face.”
Devastated. Shocked. Just reminiscing the time I was blessed to share with you. You shall always be missed. Even at this moment, just thinking about you brings a smile on my face. Condolences to the entire family. #RIPLegend #RishiKapoor pic.twitter.com/camgMvjJ4M
— Boney Kapoor (@BoneyKapoor) April 30, 2020
Anupam Kher, who spent time with Kapoor during his year-long treatment in the States, spoke fondly about his unassuming and child-like nature. He shared a video of them driving through the streets of New York last year.
#RishiKapoor से ज़्यादा ज़िंदादिल, बेबाक़,ज़ोर ज़ोर से ठहाके लगाने वाला,एक बच्चे जैसी जिज्ञासा रखने वाला मैंने अपनी ज़िंदगी में कभी नहीं देखा।भगवान ने उनका साँचा बनाकर तोड़ दिया था।दुख इतना गहरा है, आँसू निकल ही नहीं रहे।NY में उनके साथ आख़िरी वीडियो।आप हमेशा रहोगे।Hello!Hello!🙏 pic.twitter.com/OxfH7nvWbL
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) April 30, 2020
Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai, who worked together with Kapoor in the classic Karz, gets teary-eyed at the saddening news. Calling Rishi as one of the top five artists in India for the past 40 years, he states that his Chintu never came across as unwell. “He had so much energy,” Ghai said before breaking down.
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#subhasghai breaks down after hearing about the sad news. #RishiKapoor #rip
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In a series of throwback images, he profusely expresses his grief and heartbreak at not being able to see his “best friend” for the last time due to the lockdown.
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A post shared by Subhash Ghai (@subhashghai1) on
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A post shared by Subhash Ghai (@subhashghai1) on
Lyricist Javed Akhtar recalls the first time he met his dear friend back in 1973 and how they kept talking all night.
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
“I will miss you Chintu sir,” actor Sanjay Dutt captioned his little note. Remembering Kapoor as a lasting inspiration throughout his life and career, Dutt recalls the late actor as someone who always had his best interest in mind even when Dutt was at his lowest and only continued to guide him.
I will miss you Chintu sir. pic.twitter.com/ioWvKiJZxr
— Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay) April 30, 2020
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in a heartfelt post remembers Rishi as his “senior schoolmate” from back when they studied at Mumbai’s Campion School. Tharoor recalls competing with the late actor in inter-class dramatics in 1967-68 and expresses his sadness at demise of an actor who “evolved remarkably”.
Saddened to hear that my senior schoolmate at Mumbai's CampionSchool, Rishi Kapoor, whom i competed with in "inter-class dramatics" in 1967-68, has gone to a better world. From the romantic hero of "Bobby"to the mature character actor of his last films, he evolved remarkably. RIP pic.twitter.com/9eyzE0qP38
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 30, 2020
Imtiaz Ali, who had the opportunity to work with Kapoor on the much-beloved Love Aaj Kal, shares a personal memory from when Kapoor attended his brother’s wedding in Kashmir. “Nobody comes so far, these are formalities. He came,” the filmmaker recounts the veteran actor’s humbleness. “I haven’t met him for so long anyway,” he points out, “I will think he is still there, smiling.”
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Kapoor’s Karz costar Simi Garewal grives as she remembers her dearest friend and playmate, “No last goodbye. No funeral. No consoling embraces.”
#RishiKapoor My Chintu darling has gone.. My dearest friend..my costar..my playmate. The one who used to make me laugh till I cried!
Now there are only tears..
No last goodbye. No funeral. No consoling embraces. Silence. Emptiness. Grief.— Simi Garewal (@Simi_Garewal) April 30, 2020
So long and thank you for the smiles.
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