With India still grappling to come to terms with the death of actor Irrfan Khan on Wednesday, news of the passing of veteran actor Rishi Kapoor on Thursday morning has come as a shocker. Rishi Kapoor, 67, who has been battling cancer, was being treated at a Mumbai hospital after he developed breathing difficulties.
Amitabh Bachchan was one among the first to confirm the news of death of his dear friend and contemporary Rishi Kapoor. “I am destroyed,” he tweeted.
Tributes are flowing on social media as fans, politicians and members of the film fraternity offer their condolences for one of India’s finest acting legends.
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar said it seemed like we are in the midst of a nightmare. He tweeted: “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.”
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 🙏🏻
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 30, 2020
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said this is a terrible week for Indian cinema.
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.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 30, 2020
Sharing a picture of herself with Kapoor and his wife Neetu Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra wrote: “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/TR6GVSN4m7
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) April 30, 2020
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan tweeted “Cant believe it. Chintu ji @chintskap.(Mr.Rishi Kapoor) was always ready with a smile. We had mutual love and respect. Will miss my friend. My heartfelt condolence to the family.”
Telugu actor Ram Charan also mourned the loss of the acting stalwart.
Heartbreaking to know that #RishiKapoor Ji is no more. Another stalwart of Indian cinema leaves us today. My deepest condolences and strength to the Mr. Kapoor's family. pic.twitter.com/Lhm9faiHew
— Ram Charan (@AlwaysRamCharan) April 30, 2020
Rishi Kapoor returned to India last September after reportedly undergoing treatment for cancer in the US for almost a year. In February, Rishi Kapoor was hospitalised twice due to his health issues.
He was first admitted to a hospital in Delhi where he was attending a family function. At the time, Rishi Kapoor had said that he was suffering from an "infection". After his return to Mumbai, he was again admitted to a hospital with viral fever. He was discharged soon after.
Rishi Kapoor, who has been quite active on social media, hasn't posted anything on his Twitter account since April 2.
The actor recently announced his next project, a remake of Hollywood film The Intern, also featuring Deepika Padukone.
