NEW DELHI — Veteran Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor, who entertained cinema lovers for decades, died on Thursday after a two-year battle with leukaemia.
The 67-year-old actor was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday.
He had received cancer treatment in the United States for a year and came back to India in September last year.
Born in a prominent Bollywood dynasty that has produced many stars, the late actor made his mark on the industry with the 1973 romantic film “Bobby”.
Rishi’s well-known movies include “Karz”, “Nagina”, “Saagar”, “Amar Akbar Anthony” and “Chandni”.
He began acting with a role in his father Raj Kapoor’s famous 1970 movie “Mera Naam Joker”.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Rishi as “a powerhouse of talent” as condolences poured in from the film industry and politicians.
“We have lost one of the greats today. An amazing actor, a wonderful human being, and 100 percent a child of cinema,” film star Aamir Khan said.
Rishi is survived by actress wife Neetu Kapoor, son Ranbir and daughter Riddhima.
In his death, India’s film industry has lost second top actor in two days.
Irrfan Khan, widely known for his performances in “Life of Pi” and “Slumdog Millionaire”, died on Wednesday at a hospital in Mumbai.
Meanwhile, Indian Today reported that Rishi Kapoor’s cremation was held at Chandanwadi Crematorium in Mumbai around 4 pm amid the nationwide lockdown. His son Ranbir Kapoor led the hearse carrying the late actor. Rishi Kapoor’s mortal remains were brought from the HN Reliance Hospital to the Chandanwadi Crematorium in Marine Lines, Mumbai, where a few of his family members were present.
On a usual day, all of Mumbai would have turned up to bid their favourite actor, Chintu Kapoor, a fond farewell. But the nationwide lockdown restricted that number to only 20 people, all family members and friends of the Kapoors.
Only a few members of the Kapoor family and friends were allowed to attend the cremation. The list includes the late actor’s wife Neetu Kapoor, sister Rima Jain, Manoj Jain, Armaan Jain, Aadar Jain, Anisha Jain, Rajeev Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Dr Tarang, Ayan Mukerji, Jai Ram, Rohit Dhawan and Rahul Rawail. Ranbir led the hearse, as girlfriend Alia followed in her car.
