“He would like to be remembered with a smile and not with tears.” In the official statement, that’s what the Kapoor family had said to announce the demise of the veteran Bollywood actor, Rishi Kapoor. Rishi ji had left for the heavenly abode after battling with Leukemia for two years. For generations, Rishi Kapoor had entertained the audience with his impactful performances and talent but sadly the curtains dropped forever on April 30, 2020. (Also Read: Sanjay Dutt Remembers Mother, Nargis Dutt On Her 39th Death Anniversary, Pens An Emotional Note)
Not only Rishi Kapoor’s professional life was inspiring for the aspiring and superstar actors, but his personal journey with wife, Neetu Kapoor has taught us how to hold on to love when things are not fine in a relationship and be with each other through thick and thin. Over their four decades of married life, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor had their own share of ups and downs but love remained constant and they knitted their own ‘happily ever after’ story with children, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and Ranbir Kapoor. In an emotional farewell post, Neetu Kapoor had posted a picture of Rishi Kapoor with a drink in his hand and a bright smile on his face. Her caption had made us teary-eyed. She had written, "End of our story."
In an acknowledgement post for the doctors of the Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Neetu Kapoor penned a note thanking them from the bottom of her heart. Sharing a monochrome portrait of Rishi Kapoor and one with her in the frame, Neetu ji wrote, “As a family, we have a deep sense of loss.. when we sit together and look back at the past few months what we also feel is immense gratitude - gratitude towards the doctors at HN reliance hospital! The whole team of doctors, brothers and nurses headed by Dr Tarang Gianchandani treated my husband like he was their own - they advised us like we were their own.. and for all that and more I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”
On May 2, 2020, a prayer meet for Rishi Kapoor was held at the Kapoor residence with only a few members around. A picture of the same had gone viral on social media with Neetu Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor sitting next to Rishi ji’s picture. As per a SpotboyE report, a source had informed, “There were not many people, Only five-six family members." Later, Neetu Kapoor, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Ayan Mukerji had immersed the ashes of Rishi Kapoor in Banganga as they were denied permission to go to Haridwar. While speaking to PTI, Randhir Kapoor said, “We did a prayer meet yesterday. Today we immersed his ashes in Banganga as we haven't received permission from the authorities to go to Haridwar.” (Also Read: Kareena Kapoor Shares A Picture Of 'Two Tigers', Rishi Kapoor And Her Father-In-Law Mansoor Ali Khan)
In October 2019, Neetu Kapoor had taken a trip down the memory lane and posting two songs, Aankhon Mein Kajal Hai and Nazron Se Keh Do from the film, Doosra Aadmi, she had penned how time flies away but memories stay. Neetu Kapoor had captioned her post as “It’s been 42 years but the memories are still so fresh !! First shot in Borivali second in Kashmir!! Time flies memories stay. make good memories.”
Neetu Kapoor had posted a family statement on her Instagram handle, revealing how Rishi Kapoor had remained jovial and determined to live to the fullest right through two years of treatment across two continents, with a folding hand emoji as the caption. The statement can be read as "Our dear Rishi Kapoor passed away peacefully at 8:45 am IST 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. 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 had concluded with “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. 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." (Also Read: Irrfan Khan's Son, Ayaan Khan Shares Old Pictures Of His Late Father With A Heartmelting Note)
Rest in peace, Sir!
