Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor died at 67, a day after another veteran, Irrfan Khan, died
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today tweeted his condolences after veteran actor Rishi Kapoor died following a long fight with an illness. PM Modi said Rishi Kapoor "was a powerhouse of talent".
"Multifaceted, endearing and lively...this was Rishi Kapoor Ji. He was a powerhouse of talent. I will always recall our interactions, even on social media. He was passionate about films and India's progress. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family and fans. Om Shanti," PM Modi tweeted.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu tweeted the "talented actor essayed many roles with aplomb". "Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of veteran Hindi film actor, Shri Rishi Kapoor. The talented actor essayed many roles with aplomb & was popular for his romantic films. In his passing away, the nation lost a beloved son and film industry lost a gem," Mr Naidu tweeted.
The 67-year-old actor had been fighting cancer. He was taken to HN Reliance Hospital in Mumbai by his family on Wednesday morning.
"Our dear Rishi Kapoor passed away peacefully at 8.45 am in hospital today after a two-year battle with leukaemia. The doctors and medical staff at the hospital said he kept them entertained to the last," Rishi Kapoor's family said in a statement.
"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," the statement said.
Rishi Kapoor's family in a statement requested people to stay put at their homes "in this hour of personal loss".
"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," the statement said.
"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," it said.