Politicians, actors mourn Rishi Kapoor's death, tributes pour in

From calling him the “torchbearer of an illustrious legacy” to terming his death an “irreparable loss” to the Indian film industry and the end of an era, politicians and film fraternity condoled the death of the veteran Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor, who died today (April 30) morning.

The actor, 67, passed away at H.N.Reliance hospital after a two-year-long battle with leukemia, his elder brother Randhir Kapoor confirmed with PTI.

His family said the actor remained “jovial and determined to live to the fullest right through two years of treatment across two continents”.

Amitabh Bachchan, a close friend and frequent collaborator of the actor, broke the news on social media, but deleted the tweet seconds after posting it.

“He’s GONE .. ! Rishi Kapoor .. gone .. just passed away .. I am destroyed, he had wrote on Twitter.

Bachchan had starred opposite Rishi Kapoor in films like Amar Akbar Anthony, Kabhi Kabhie, Naseeb, Coolie and Ajooba. Their last movie together was 2011’s 102 Not Out.

Vice-President M.Venkaiah Naidu recalled that the talented actor essayed many roles with aplomb and was popular for his romantic films.

“In his passing away, the nation lost a beloved son and film industry lost a gem,” Naidu’s office tweeted.

हिंदी सिनेमा के प्रख्यात कलाकार और वरिष्ठ अभिनेता श्री ऋषि कपूर के असामयिक निधन के दुखद समाचार से स्तब्ध हूं। उन्होंने अपनी बहुमुखी अभिनय प्रतिभा से भारतीय दर्शकों को दशकों तक मंत्रमुग्ध रखा और उन चरित्रों को हमारी स्मृति में अमर कर दिया। pic.twitter.com/9oYFM8wIp9

— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) April 30, 2020

South superstar Rajinikanth who worked with Rishi Kapoor in 1986’s Dosti Dushmani said he was heartbroken.

Heartbroken … Rest In Peace … my dearest friend #RishiKapoor

— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) April 30, 2020

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled the death of veteran actor and said that he had endured his illness with dignity and grace.

Deeply shocked & saddened at the demise of the iconic & versatile film actor #RishiKapoor. A National Film Award winner, he acted in more than than 150 films. He endured his illness with dignity and grace. My condolences to his family, friends, fans & the entire film fraternity.

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 30, 2020

Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar said the actor’s passing away has created a huge void in the cinema industry.

“I don’t know what to say? I’m very sad with the news of Rishi ji’s demise. His passing away is an irreparable loss for the film industry. It’s really tough for me to bear this pain. May his soul rest in peace,” Mangeshkar posted on Twitter.

Kya kahun? Kya likhu kuch samajh mein nahi aaraha hai.Rishi ji ke nidhan se mujhe bahut dukh ho raha hai.Unke jaane se film industry ki bahut haani hui hai. Ye dukh sehena mere liye bahut mushkil hai.Bhagwan unki aatma ko shanti pradan karein.

— Lata Mangeshkar (@mangeshkarlata) April 30, 2020

Rishi Kapoor’s death comes just a day after the untimely death of acclaimed actor Irrfan Khan, who passed away on Wednesday. He also died of cancer.

Akshay said it felt like being in the middle 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,” the actor wrote in a parting message for his Namastey London and Patiala House co-star.

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

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, in a condolence message, said the veteran actor was the torchbearer of an illustrious legacy whose contribution to the film industry is unparalleled. He was not only a good actor, but also a straight forward human being.

Filmmaker Karan Johar, who directed Rishi Kapoor in Student of the Year, wrote, “He was my childhood.”

He was my childhood….. ?

— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) April 30, 2020

Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa too condoled the death of Bollywood veteran, saying his stellar performances will be remembered.

Shocked by the passing of another legend, and veteran actor, Rishi Kapoor. His way of mesmerising us with his stellar performances will be remembered and missed. Prayers to his family and loved ones. RIP.

— B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) April 30, 2020

Ajay Devgn said, “the actor’s demise is nothing short of a stab to my heart.

“One blow after another. Rishi ji’s passing away is nothing short of a stab to my heart. We associated in Raju Chacha (2000) and stayed in touch through…until now. Condolences to Neetuji, Ranbir, Riddhima & Dabbooji. Folded hands.”

One blow after another. Rishi ji’s passing away is nothing short of a stab to my heart. We associated in Raju Chacha (2000) and stayed in touch through…until now. Condolences to Neetuji, Ranbir, Riddhima & Dabbooji ?

— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) April 30, 2020

Rishi Kapoor’s last prominent role was in 2017’s Mulk, directed by Anubhav Sinha.

His co-actor from the film, Taapsee, said she is finding it hard to put her feeling into words.

“Been trying to write something and I can’t put my mind and hands in sync. More like the heart in between is just not able to comprehend this. That laugh, that sense of humour, the honesty and even the bully he was, will be missed. No one like you #RishiKapoor,” she posted on the microblogging site.

Been trying to write something n I can’t put my mind n hands in sync. More like the heart in between is just not able to comprehend this. That laugh, that sense of humour, the honesty and even the bully he was , will be missed. No one like you #RishiKapoor

— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) April 30, 2020

Writer Apurva Asrani shared a screenshot from the movie D-Day, which was the only film featuring both Rishi Kapoor and Irrfan, and wrote, “Another warrior goes down fighting. Goodbye Rishi Kapoor. Thank you for the movies, for that disarming smile and for being brave enough to call a spade a spade. You were one of the best.”

Rishi Kapoor & Irrfan Khan, two very diverse acting styles, but both iconic performers. I don’t know if they did any other films together, but I remember one. Ironically it was called #DDay ?. pic.twitter.com/KDuNwU9UvJ

— Apurva (@Apurvasrani) April 30, 2020

Manoj Bajpayee said the news of the actor’s death has crushed him.

“Couldn’t even finish writing an obituary of our IRRFAN (RIP friend) and the news of Rishi Kapoor ji passing away has completely crushed me!! No…this is not happening…”

Couldn’t even finish writing an obituary of our IRRFAN (RIP friend) and the news of RISHI KAPOOR ji passing away has completely crushed me!! No…this is not happening…it’s too much to https://t.co/4xV3Fqw304 RISHIJI ?

— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) April 30, 2020