Rishi Kapoor passes away at 67; tributes pour in

Rishi Kapoor passed away in a hospital in Mumbai at the age of 67. Kapoor fought a long battle with cancer.

The veteran actor, known for his work in films like Bobby and Chandni, was treated in New York for cancer and returned to Mumbai few months ago.

Kapoor is survived by his wife Neetu Kapoor, son Ranbir and daughter Riddhima.

In 2018, Rishi Kapoor was diagnosed with cancer for the first time, following which the actor was in New York for nearly a year to undergo treatment. He returned to India in September 2019 after recovering.

Post return to India, his health has frequently been in focus. The actor was admitted to hospital in quick succession in February. Amid speculations about his health, he had been hospitalised in New Delhi in early February, while on a visit to New Delhi.

"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,” read the statement from Kapoor's family

"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," read the statement from Kapoor's family.

Rishi Kapoor belongs to the illustrious Kapoor family of Bollywood, widely known as first family of Hindi films. Son of late iconic actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor, his uncles Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor were stars, too, as have been his brothers Randhir and Rajeev Kapoor in their time.

Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday condoled the death of veteran actor Rishi Kapoor and said that it has been a terrible week for the Indian cinema and the "Bobby" actor will be greatly missed.

"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 and fans all over the world, at this time of grief," Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi also expressed grief over Rishi Kapoor’s demise. Eminent actor Rishi Kapoor ji leaving us is an irreparable loss to the cinema and art world. We have lost two of our precious stars in the last two days. My condolences are with his family, friends and loved ones in this hour of grief.Soulful tribute, tweeted Priyanka Gandhi.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday condoled the demise of veteran Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor.

"Deeply saddened by the sudden demise of actor Rishi Kapoor. He entertained several generations of Indians throughout his career. What a terrible loss. My condolences to the grieving family. May God bless his soul," Kejriwal tweeted.

Actor tuned politician Smriti Irani, who is the Union Minister for Textiles and Women and Child Development in a tweet recalled her experience with Rishi Kapoor and wrote, "In 2014, he told me 'bhag jaldi Dilli pagal' for he knew I have been summoned to take oath. The last I saw him was on a set and that's how I shall remember him. Prodding you to do your best, caring for the little things, teaching you the craft no matter how old you were on the job"

She also attached a picture of her standing with the veteran actor.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said, "The sudden demise of actor Rishi Kapoor is shocking. He was not only a great actor but a good human being. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. Om Shanti."

The film industry took to social media to mourn his death with disbelief:

Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan broke the news on Twitter, writing: "T 3517 - He's GONE .. ! Rishi Kapoor .. gone .. just passed away .. I am destroyed !"

Rajinikanth was one of the earliest to tweet: "Heartbroken ... Rest In Peace ... my dearest friend #RishiKapoor"

Priyanka Chopra: "My heart is so heavy. This is the end of an era. #Rishisir your candid heart and immeasurable talent will never be encountered again. Such a privilege to have known you even a little bit. My condolences to Neetu maam, Ridhima, Ranbir and the rest of the family. Rest in peace Sir."

Akshay Kumar wrote: "It seems like we're in the midst of a nightmare...just heard the depressing news of #RishiKapoor ji passing away, it's heartbreaking. He was a legend, a great co-star and a good friend of the family. My thoughts and prayers with his family"

Manoj Bajpayee tweeted: "Couldn't even finish writing an obituary of our IRRFAN (RIP friend) and the news of RISHI KAPOOR ji passing away has completely crushed me!! No...this is not happening...it's too much to http://accept.RIP RISHIJI"

Ajay Devgn expressed on Twitter: "One blow after another. Rishi ji's passing away is nothing short of a stab to my heart. We associated in Raju Chacha (2000) and stayed in touch through...until now. Condolences to Neetuji, Ranbir, Riddhima & Dabbooji"

Wrote Taapsee Pannu: "Been trying to write something n I can't put my mind n hands in sync. More like the heart in between is just not able to comprehend this. That laugh, that sense of humour, the honesty and even the bully he was , will be missed. No one like you #RishiKapoor"

Reema Kagti shared: '"RIP Rishi Kapoor", while John Abraham wrote: "Rest In Peace Sir ... #RishiKapoor"

Emraan Hashmi, with whom Kapoor shared screen space the last time in the film "The Body", wrote: "This is devastating. Lost for words . RIP Rishi Kapoor"

Riteish Deshmukh wrote: "Am devastated, heartbroken... King of charm, King of Romance, the legendary actor Rishi ji just said �pack-up'. Not fair Sir, you said we will do a film together.... just not fair."

Genelia Deshmukh tweeted: "I just remember meeting you a couple of months ago.. So so warm and one of the best evenings of my life with conversations straight from the heart .. Our Deepest condolences to Neetuji, RiddhimA, Ranbir and the entire Kapoor family.. Heartbroken #RipRishiji"

RakulpreetSingh tweeted: "NO NO NO!! This is heartbreaking ! In loss of words. Unable to process that @chintskap sir is no longer with us! It's a huge loss to the world ! May your soul RIP. You will always be remembered 2020 can't get worse !"

Poonam Dhillon tweeted: "Devastated !!! Rishi kapoor gone !! What terrible news today!! No words to express. My heart breaking for Neetu, Ranbir, Riddhima ,Daboo, Chimpu & Rima !!"

Farhan Akhtar tweeted: "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"

Juhi Chawla tweeted: "No no no no .... this is not happening ...!! This is sad ............... ... very very very very very sad...!!! .... I'm shocked beyond words .....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nimrat Kaur tweeted: " Too much loss too soon... #RIPIrrfanKhan #RIPRishiKapoor"

Tamannaah Bhatia tweeted: "Just can't believe this. Woke up to the shocking news of #RishiKapoor Ji passing away. Condolences to the Kapoor family. We will miss you Rishi Ji."

Kajal Aggarwal tweeted: "2020 cannot get any worse! Loss of a legend. Om Shanti Rishi sir I'm sure you must be illumining the heavens, the shining star you've always been! This feels like a personal grievance, Cannot even fathom what the family is going through. Heartfelt condolences."

Amit Sadh tweeted: "I hate this year !! Feel so gutted ... RIP #RishiKapoor sir."

Madhur Bhandarkar tweeted: "Shocked to hear about the tragic demise of the legendary versatile actor #RishiKapoor. Another great loss for the film industry. One of my most favourite actor. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers. Om Shanti"

Vishal Dadlani tweeted: "The world is truly depleted with #RishiKapoor ji gone. Deepest condolences to Ranbir and Neetuji, and the whole Kapoor family. @chintskap Sir's 2nd innings was definitive of a new wave in Indian cinema. To lose both @irrfank & him in 2 days feels like a hard kick in the chest."

Arshad Warsi tweeted: "I am speechless and completely heartbroken. Been a fan of Rishi Kapoor all my life. Loved him for his talent, wit, positive energy, this is terrible. First Irfan and now Rishi Kapoor... Dear God please look after these great souls"

Lisa Ray tweeted: "Rishi Kapoor Gosh I'm running out of words to express my grief for the loss of these greats. In my opinion a very under rated actor. I watched Saagar obsessively as a kid. Thank you Rishiji for sharing your lightness of spirit and talent."

Madhuri Dixit said, “I've had the honour of working with Rishi ji. A larger than life person, so outspoken yet so warm. We have lost a brilliant actor today. Still can't believe it.. absolutely heartbroken. My prayers are with the family during this tough time.”

Vicky Kaushal said, “Absolutely shattered and heart broken to wake up to the news of the loss of Rishi Kapoor Ji, one of the liveliest persons amongst us. The last time when I met him in NY, he was fighting the battle like a boss, with Neetu Ma’m by his side and a smile on his face. This is utterly tragic and incomprehensible. My condolences to Ranbir, Neetu Ma’m and the entire family. May his soul be resting in peace and raising a toast to a life well lived with the Gods in heaven.”