Rishi Kapoor, 67, loses battle to cancer

Bollywood has lost another gem. Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, who was battling cancer, passed away in Mumbai today. He was 67. On Wednesday, the actor was admitted to the Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital.

Kapoor debuted in his father Raj Kapoor’s movie Mera Naam Joker. However, it was his role as hero in Bobby, opposite Dimple Kapadia, that won him acclaim and recognition. He went on to act in several movies including Chandni, Amar Akbar Anthony, Karz, Khel Khel Mein, Deewana, and Kapoor & Sons.

“Our dear Rishi Kapoor passed away peacefully at 8:45am IST in hospital today after a two-year battle with leukemia. The doctors and medical staff at the hospital said he kept them entertained to the last,” read a statement from Rishi Kapoor's family. The statement also read that the actor remained jovial and kept the doctors entertained till the end.

Neetu Kapoor, the actor’s wife, and son Ranbir Kapoor were by his side.

Kapoor, known for his humor and plain speaking, had recently announced his new project with actor Deepika Padukone. The two were slated to work on the remake of Hollywood film The Intern.

“Rishi Kapoor… gone… passed away. I am destroyed !" tweeted Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan.

Kapoor had flown to New York with his wife for treatment in September 2018. After receiving treatment for almost a year, he returned to India in 2019. His son Ranbir and his fiancée actor Alia Bhatt were among those who regularly visited the actor in New York..