It’s been a terrible year so far. For sports, for politics, and for mankind in general. From Australian bushfires to coronavirus and the death of a number of celebrities, everything bad seems to be happening this year. In fact, it was only yesterday that we reported the death of one of India’s finest actors, Irrfan Khan, who was only 53 years old and still in his prime.
Less than 24 hours later, another very known face and veteran actor passes away – Rishi Kapoor. A versatile actor who has taken up varied roles even in his older days, Kapoor has been looked up to by the entire fraternity and he breathed his last in Mumbai’s Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital earlier today.
The 67-year old actor was fighting a 2-year battle against cancer and he succumbed to the disease today, 30 April with his wife and actor Neetu Kapoor by his side. He made his big screen debut in Bobby opposite actress Dimple Kapadia in 1973 and he leaves behind his wife and two children, Ranbir and Riddhima Kapoor.
“It’s true that he has been admitted to the hospital. He is in Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital. He was not keeping well and had some problem, so we admitted him early this morning. That’s why he has gone to the hospital. But I know that he will be alright. Neetu (Kapoor) is by his side,” his brother said about Rishi being hospitalized yesterday in Mumbai.
Randhir confirmed the news of his death a while back, while actor Amitabh Bachchan was the first to break it on Twitter. Here’s a look at the tweets pouring in so far from the industry:
T 3517 – He's GONE .. ! Rishi Kapoor .. gone .. just passed away ..
I am destroyed !— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) April 30, 2020
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.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 30, 2020
God must be really lonely up there! First irrfan and now #Rishi ji am shocked. You will be missed sir your laughter your cheer and your amazing nature brought life wherever you went. 💔
— Raj Kundra (@TheRajKundra) April 30, 2020
This is devastating. Lost for words . RIP Rishi Kapoor 🙏🏻
— Emraan Hashmi (@emraanhashmi) April 30, 2020
Absolutely heartbroken. This is an irreparable loss. To the film industry. To the audiences. And to all who were blessed enough to know him personally. Love you Rishi uncle. #RIP
— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) April 30, 2020
Photographer Viral Bhayani took to Instagram to post a message from the family of Rishi Kapoor after he was announced dead. It read, “Our dear Rishi Kapoor passed away peacefully at 8:45am IST in hospital today after a two-year battle with leukemia. The doctors and medical staff at the hospital said he kept them entertained to the last. He remained jovial and determined to live to the fullest right through two years of treatment across two continents. Family, friends, food and films remained his focus and everyone who met him during this time was amazed at how he did not let his illness get the better of him. He was grateful for the love of his fans that poured in from the world over. In his passing, they would all understand that he would like to be remembered with a smile and not with tears. In this hour of personal loss, we also recognise the world is going through a very difficult and troubled time. There are numerous restrictions around movement and gathering in public. We would like to request all his fans and well-wishers and friends of the family to please respect the laws that are in force. He would not have it any other way. #RishiKapoor #rip 🤲🙏”
