Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor died at 67, a day after another veteran, Irrfan Khan, died
Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor's death a day after another Bollywood great, Irrfan Khan, died of cancer drew deep condolences from people in the entertainment industry and leaders. The 67-year-old actor had also 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.
"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," his family said.
Several leaders and actors across the nation tweeted to give their condolences.
"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," Congress MP Rahul Gandhi tweeted.
Other leaders soon tweeted condolences on hearing the death of Rishi Kapoor.
"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," Union Minister Prakash Javadekar tweeted.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor tweeted in memory of his "schoolmate". "Saddened to hear that my senior schoolmate at Mumbai's Campion School, Rishi Kapoor, whom i competed with in inter-class dramatics in 1967-68, has gone to a better world. From the romantic hero of Bobby to the mature character actor of his last films, he evolved remarkably. RIP" Mr Tharoor tweeted.
Rishi Kapoor returned to India last September after undergoing treatment for cancer in the US for almost a year. In February, he was hospitalised twice.
Condolences kept pouring in for the veteran actor who belonged to a film dynasty that spans several generations - his father, Raj Kapoor, was among India's most revered actors and filmmakers.
Rishi Kapoor is survived by his wife Neetu Kapoor, son Ranbir and daughter Riddhima. Last seen in the 2019 films The Body and Jhootha Kahin Ka, Mr Kapoor was meant to star in a Bollywood adaptation of The Intern with Deepika Padukone.