A Tribute to Rishi Kapoor

Kapoor khandan ka chirag, Bollywood's romantic hero, Chocolate boy, or simply Chintu. Rishi Kapoor was known by many names.

 He was a charmer, a showman, an entertainer, and he was one of my favorite artists to watch on the big screen. I remember watching him in Agneepath for the first time. As a nine year old boy, Rauf Lala struck my heart with a fear that I had never known. Was it my weak heart or his near perfect portrayal of a villain that bought this about, I’ll never know. I’d like to believe it was the latter.  Fast forward to 2018, when I began to rewatch movies that I didn’t quite understand the first time round. Kapoor and Sons was high on my list, and Rishi Kapoor reminded me of my own grandfather. That night I called him with tears in my eyes and silently wept while he told me how he enjoyed the new phone I had bought him only a few months ago.  I then went on to watch 102 Not Out and Mulk sometime in 2019. From a grumpy control freak of an old man , to an accused terrorist (by virtue of his son’s activities), the range of character this gentleman brought to the screen amazed me, and brought forth a sense of appreciation and respect that I’d never known I had in me. He earned the love and respect of millions, a treasure you and I can only dream to possess.

 Rishi Kapoor breathed his last on the 30th of April 2020 in Sir H.N Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai. He was told to be happy and jovial, entertaining the doctors and medical staff with his witty humour and his big heart. The veteran actor passed barely twenty four hours after the death of Irrfan Khan, another actor who has made a mark on both Indian and international cinema alike.

 India has lost two legends, actors, artists or quite simply, men who redefined the Bollywood we’ve all come to love. 

Rest easy, gentlemen.

We will never forget you.

Written by: Akshith Sainarayanan