Though the curtains have fallen, Rishi Kapoor’s laughter, legacy and light continues to echo in every frame he has ever graced, says ABHI SINGHAL

With over 80 films under his name, almost all being super hits, with 50 active years in the entertainment industry, with fans all over the world, actor Rishi Kapoor has won hearts of the people and cinema lovers with his performances and in real life too. The date 30 April 2025 marked the fifth death anniversary of the beloved Rishi Kapoor. His departure left a void in Indian cinema that words can scarcely fill but we can always try.

To start with, I remember an incidence of a close one living in Chandni Chowk when Kapoor was filming for Rajma Chawal movie for Netflix in the area. Kapoor was walking by and suddenly hit my close ally. Kapoor unlike other actors did not walk off but made sure that she was fine and apologised saying “mataji aap thik to hain” for the unknowing collision. She (my close ally) had all the great words to say about Rishi Kapoor which I haven’t had heard from someone passing by actors like literally everyday living in Chandni Chowk.

The other one about his warmth was the video that went viral after his death from the hospital where he was admitted at his last time. The medical staff named Dheeraj Kumar Sanu who was singing the song ‘Tere Dard Se Dil Aabad Raha’ from his movie Deewana and Rishi Kapoor whole heartedly became a part of the video smiling even at tough times showed his emotional connection with his fans.

The Emotional Acting Game

Even as cinema evolved to resonate with younger generations, Rishi Kapoor mastered emotionally intense roles like few others. His portrayal of Amarjeet Kapoor (Dadu) in Kapoor & Sons brought warmth and authenticity to the screen. As the emotional anchor of a fractured family, he made the house feel like a real home with his presence binding the characters together like a true patriarch.

Equally powerful was his role in Mulk, where he played Murad Ali Mohammed — a Muslim man navigating the harsh realities of communal tension. It was a nuanced, deeply human performance that continues to gain relevance with every viewing. The emotional weight he carried, with quiet dignity remains one of his most impactful roles in cinema.
Performances You Can’t Miss

Classic Romantic Era

• Bobby (1973)
• Kabhi Kabhie (1976)
• Karz (1980)
• Chandni (1989)
• Saagar (1985)

Family Dramas & Feel-Good Films

• Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
• Do Dooni Chaar (2010)
• Kapoor & Sons (2016)

Intense & Character-Driven Performances

• Agneepath (2012)
• Mulk (2018)
• Aurangzeb (2013)

When Rishi Kapoor delivered, We Listened

Kapoor’s dialogues often carried an emotional weight that lingered long after the film ended. In Bobby, the simple yet charming line, “Garmi mein garam chai, thandak pahunchati hai”, became iconic among tea lovers, encapsulating young love with everyday warmth. On the other hand, in Prem Rog, he delivered a deep line: “Sabhi insaan ek jaise hi toh hote hai … wahi do haath, do paun, aankhen, kaan, chehra … sabke ek jaise hi toh hote hai … phir kyun koi ek, sirf ek aaisa hota hai…” — a dialogue that spoke volumes about individuality and emotion. These memorable lines remind us that Rishi Kapoor made words come alive.

Debut That Stole Hearts

Though he appeared briefly in his father’s magnum opus Mera Naam Joker, it was Bobby (1973) that truly announced Rishi Kapoor’s arrival. With his charm and lively screen presence, Chintu, as he was fondly called, became the nation’s heartthrob overnight.

Born Into a family of Stardom, But Still known for talent

Born into the illustrious Kapoor family on 4 September 1952, Rishi Kapoor was the son of the legendary Raj Kapoor. Stardom was in his veins, but he didn’t rest on the legacy. He carved out a niche of his own endearing himself to audiences as the boyish lover, the romantic hero, and later the seasoned actor with range.

first  recognition

He won National Film Award for Best Child Artist for his debut as an adolescent, in his father Raj Kapoor’s film Mera Naam Joker.

Versatility Rooted by Skill

Rishi Kapoor wasn’t one to be typecast. From romantic leads as Vicky in Kabhi Kabhie, Monty Oberoi in Karz, and Rohit in Chandni, to complex roles of Rauf Lala in Agneepath, Santosh in Do Dooni Chaar, and Dadu in Kapoor & Sons, he evolved gracefully with time. He embraced the character roles of his later years with humility and conviction, proving that talent only grows richer with age.

Rishi Kapoor’s Musical Magic

The 1970s marked a golden era for Rishi Kapoor, not just for his performances but also for the unforgettable songs that defined romance for an entire generation. Melodies like Main Shair To Nahin, Ek Main Aur Ek Tu, Oh Hansini, Dafli Wale, and Hum Tum Ek Kamre Mein Band Ho became instant classics. His on-screen charm, paired with timeless music, made these songs eternal favourites.

Man of Wit, Warmth and Unfiltered Charm

Beyond the camera, Rishi Kapoor was known for his candidness, sharp wit and boundless warmth. His presence on social media was unapologetically honest, often sparking both laughter and reflection.

From a child artist in Mera Naam Joker to Dadu in Kapoor & Sons people have seen Rishi Kapoor grow up on the screens. Even in his last times he kept on entertaining the audience and his fans with films like 102 Not Out, Rajma Chawal, Jhootha Kahin Ka and The Body. 

His films continue to inspire, entertain, and comfort. His journey to the respected elder statesman of Hindi Cinema is one of passion, resilience, and applauded creativity.