The quintessential chocolatey hero, the ultimate lover boy, who gave love goals to a generation of youngsters and mesmerised the audience when he transitioned into a character actor later in his life. Some of his notable films were Bobby, Kabhi Kabhie, Laila Majnu, Amar Akbar Anthony, Hum Kisise Kum Nahin, Karz, Prem Rog, Chandni, Agneepath, Mulk, and Kapoor & Sons.
Born Into Royality
Born on September 4, 1952, into the prestigious Kapoor family, Rishi Kapoor was destined for greatness in the cinematic world as the grandson of Prithviraj Kapoor and son of the “showman of Indian cinema” Raj Kapoor. He studied at Colonel Brown Cambridge School in Dehradun, followed by Campion School in Bombay, and later at Mayo College in Ajmer.
Rishi’s journey in the film industry began as a child artist in his father Raj Kapoor’s film “Mera Naam Joker.” In the film, he played the younger version of his father’s character who was infatuated by his teacher. Despite the film’s initial box office failure, he won the National Film Award for Best Child Artist.
The Quintessential Chocolatey Hero
Raj Kapoor launched him in the 1973 blockbuster “Bobby” opposite Dimple Kapadia, which catapulted Rishi Kapoor to superstardom. Imn Bobby,he played Raj, the son of affluent parents who falls in love with a poor fisherman’s daughter. Portraying a teenage lover with an infectious charm, he became the heartthrob of the nation. The sucsses of Bobby, set the tone for his career as a romantic hero.
The film’s success also marked a shift in Bollywood, focussing on youthful romance and vibrant storytelling. Kapoor’s portrayal of the carefree and lovable Raja resonated with audiences and set the tone for his future roles.
He followed it by films like “Zehreela Insaan,” “Khel Khel Mein,” “Rafoo Chakkar,” “Kabhi Kabhie,” “Barood,” “Amar Akbar Anthony,” “Hum Kisise Kum Naheen,” and “Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan,” where he mostly played the young romantic hero.
His first intense performance comes in Harnam Singh Rawail’s 1976 classic “Laila Majnu,” opposite Ranjeeta. In the film based on the classic love story of doomed love, Rishi got rave reviews for his intense portrayal of a man who goes insane in love.
In 1979, he starred opposite Jayaprada in musical romance “Sargam,” directed by K. Viswanath. He recieved a nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his performance. In 1980, Rishi Kapoor dazzled audiences in Subhash Ghai’s “Karz,” a musical thriller that became a cult favourite, featuring a beloved soundtrack. His portrayal of Devdhar in the 1982 romantic drama “Prem Rog” earned acclaim, tackling the theme of widow remarriage alongside Padmini Kolhapure. This role garnered him a second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
Rishi Kapoor – The star
Rishi continued to make successful films like “Naseeb (1981),” “Kaatilon Ke Kaatil (1981),” “Coolie (1983),” “Tawaif (1985),” “Dosti Dushmani (1986),” “Ek Chadar Maili Si (1986),” “Vijay (1988).” He also starred in family dramas “Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani (1988),” “Gharana (1989),” and “Bade Ghar Ki Beti (1989).” Rishi reunites with Dimple, his co-star of “Bobby,” in Ramesh Sippy’s “Saagar,” which also has Kamal Hasan. The film went on to become a musical blockbuster with songs like “Sagar kinare” and “Sagar jaisi ankho wali.” He also starred oposite Sridevi in blockbusters like “Nagina (1986),” and “Chandni (1989).”
In the 1990s, his notable performances came in films like “Henna,” “Bol Radha Bol,” “Deewana,” “Damini,” “Shreeman Ashiq,” and “Prem Granth.”
In 1999, he directed the Akshaye Khanna and Aishwarya Rai starrer “Aa Ab Laut Chalen.” After that Rishi took a sabbatical for a few years.
Comback
He made a comeback after a few years with “Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi,” opposite Rati Agnihotri. He then acted as a character actor in films like “Hum Tum,” “Fanaa,” “Namastey London,”and “Love Aaj Kal.” Do Dooni Chaar (2010) was a delightful family drama that saw Kapoor in the role of a middle-class school teacher striving to buy a new car. For “Do Dooni Chaar,” he received the Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Critics). His performance was a brilliant depiction of the everyday struggles and aspirations of a common man.
Rishi Kapoor – The Performer
Rishi Kapoor started his career as a lover boy and romantic hero. Although he did many dramatic roles he remain India’s go to choachlate boy. In his second inngin he start taking on more complex and mature roles. He experimented with his roles and even played hardcore villains in films like “Aurangzeb (2013),” “Kaanchi (2014).” One of his most important film of that period was “Agneepath (2012).” In the film, Kapoor took on a darker role of the lovable antagonist Rauf Lala. The role instantly became a cult figure and a fan favourite. His performance was chilling and stood out as one of the finest negative roles in his career.
In Karan Johar’s “Student of the Year (2012),” he played a flamboyant and, in your face, “gay dean” of a college. He followed it by the action thriller “D-Day (2013),” where he played gangster Dawood Ibrahim. Kapoor played the patriarch of a dysfunctional family in “Kapoor & Sons.” His portrayal of an aged Dada ji with a zest for life and complex relationships with his family members was both heartwarming and impactful. For the role he won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
He also appeared in Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012), All Is Well (2015), Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi (2017), 102 Not Out (2018), Rajma Chawal (2018), and Manto (2018). He received immense critical acclaim for his role as an elderly Muslim man in Anubhav Sinha’s “Mulk.” It was when he got to know about his condition. He was dignost th leukemia that he fought with the same vigour that he displayed on screen.
The End of It All
Sadly, he passed away on April 30, 2020, at the age of 67. He left behind a legacy that will be cherished by generations to come. Rishi Kapoor was survived by his wife Neetu Kapoor, son Ranbir, and daughter Ridhima.
His last film was Hitesh Bhatia’s “Sharmaji Namkeen,” which was incomplete at the time of his death. Paresh Rawal shot his remaining part. Off-screen, Rishi Kapoor was known for his candidness and lively spirit. His autobiography, “Khullam Khulla: Rishi Kapoor Uncensored,” reflects his straightforward personality and offers an intimate look at his life and the film industry.
Rishi Kapoor’s legacy extends beyond his filmography. He was a symbol of romance, a beacon of talent, and a cherished member of a family that has contributed immensely to Indian cinema. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, but his work continues to inspire and entertain generations.
As we remember Rishi Kapoor, we celebrate the joy he brought to the screen and the lives he touched. His journey may have ended, but his stories will live on forever.
Rishi Kapoor on IMDB
