Four years past his untimely departure from the world, the legacy of Rishi Kapoor, as diverse and remarkable as the very cinema that birthed his fame, continues to captivate hearts. On his death anniversary in 2024, his indelible mark on the film industry shines as a beacon of exceptional craftsmanship and unfeigned passion for the art of storytelling through the silver screen.
Rishi Kapoor— a name that echoed through the halls of Indian cinema as a symbol of youthful exuberance turned seasoned virtuosity—first graced the cinema at a tender age of 17 in his father’s magnum opus, ‘Mera Naam Joker’. Portraying the younger version of the paramount ‘Showman of Hindi Cinema’, Raj Kapoor, was not simply a role but a prophetic glimpse into the star that the young Kapoor was fated to become. His stellar performance, capturing the naïve yet ardent adoration of a boy for his teacher, earn him a National Award, setting the stage for a luminous future.
His rise to iconic status was cemented with the romantic blockbuster ‘Bobby’, in 1973, which saw his metamorphosis into the archetype of the romantic hero—the quintessential ‘boy next door’ with an uncanny ability to charm. For more than two and a half decades, Kapoor reigned supreme, his name synonymous with the very essence of romance in Bollywood.
However, as age did not spare the handsomest of stars, Kapoor sought to reinvent himself, leaving behind the repetitive spectrum of fame to delve into characters that offered depth and complexity.
The relentless force of destiny came crashing on April 30, 2020, claiming Kapoor’s life after a valiant fight with Leukemia. The void left by his demise only highlighted the magnitude of his five-decade-spanning career—a career studded with performances that will forever echo through time.
His second coming, referred to often as Rishi Kapoor 2.0, bore witness to an artist reborn. His role in ‘Luck By Chance’ (2009) ushered in this era, showcasing his masterful portrayal of Romi Rolly—a self-conceited and soft-hearted filmmaker whose life revolves around crafting stars. Zoya Akhtar’s directorial debut deftly encapsulated the underbelly of Bollywood, allowing Kapoor to exhibit a range of emotions from pompous pride to genuine heartache.
‘Oftentimes, it is a filmmaker that can showcase an emotional spectrum that eclipses even the most avid actor, a feat Rishi Kapoor achieved with aplomb.’
In 2010’s ‘Do Dooni Chaar’, Kapoor exuded warmth and authenticity as a middle-class school teacher with humble aspirations of owning a car. The chemistry between Kapoor and his real-life partner, Neetu Kapoor, transformed the film into an extraordinary exploration of mundane life. The subtleties of Kapoor’s performance—where a single glance or a sigh sufficed to express the character’s most profound feelings—resonated with audiences, evoking gentle nods of understanding and smiles of recognition.
Kapoor’s foray as an antagonist in ‘Aurangzeb’ (2013) unveiled his versatility, presenting an officer mired in corruption and cloaking a deep-seated malevolence that, when revealed, left viewers in stunned silence. The character’s harrowing ethos—’kingship knows no kinship’—echoed poignantly, reflective of the title’s Mughal namesake.
Perhaps one of Kapoor’s most unforgettable roles came in the form of the quirky centenarian ‘Daddu’ in ‘Kapoor and Sons’ (2016). Under the skillful direction of Shakun Batra, Kapoor’s portrayal of the patriarch intent on unifying his fractious family transcended the dramatic. His performance, full of charisma and nuance, rendered ‘Daddu’ a character that would be challenging for any other actor to emulate without the spectral touch Kapoor lent to it.
Though many performances merit attention—a formidable opponent in ‘Agneepath’, the nuanced portrayal of a beleaguered patriot in ‘Mulk’, and his role in ‘D-Day’—they all serve as testaments to Rishi Kapoor’s enduring influence on the craft of acting and the art of Indian cinema.
As we remember Rishi Kapoor on this somber anniversary, it is the vivid recollection of his characters, the laughter, the tears, and the moments of cinematic brilliance he provided, that offer a semblance of solace. For his legacy is not a mere remembrance; it is an immortal chronicling in the annals of film history.
