Neetu Kapoor recently gave a heartfelt interview on Karan Johar’s popular talk show, Koffee With Karan 8, where she shed light on many untold aspects of her relationship with her late husband, Rishi Kapoor. Accompanied by her co-actor from the ’70s and ’80s, Zeenat Aman, Neetu delved into the golden years of Bollywood, her career choices, and poignant memories of the late actor. Notably, Neetu opened up about how Rishi Kapoor’s battle with cancer profoundly altered his behavior towards his family.
The veteran actress revealed that Rishi was a “strict boyfriend” during the early days of their relationship. Though the couple shared a strong bond, Rishi’s insistence on traditional values and principles often meant Neetu had a more disciplined social life compared to her peers. “Parties in the ’70s and ’80s were the wildest, and I could have experienced them fully. But I had Rishi Kapoor as my boyfriend, who kept saying, ‘Don’t do this, don’t do that. Come home early.’ I’ve never seen the wild side of those days as he was quite stern, and my strict mother only added to it,” Neetu recounted.
Their story took a poignant turn when Karan Johar shifted the conversation to the recent past. He asked Neetu about the challenging months she spent with Rishi in New York, where he underwent treatment for cancer. Rishi Kapoor, an iconic figure in Bollywood, succumbed to the illness in April 2020, but Neetu opts to remember their happier moments. “New York was really sad because we were there for his treatment, but despite everything, I had the best year of my life,” she shared with a mixture of sorrow and warmth in her voice.
During their time in America, Neetu observed a remarkable transformation in Rishi’s demeanor. Known for his reserved and often aloof disposition, Rishi began showing affection in ways he never had. “Chintu Ji (Rishi Kapoor’s affectionate nickname) was a man filled with love, but he rarely expressed it,” Neetu remarked. “He used to maintain a distance, and in doing so, he missed out on many moments with his children, Ranbir and Riddhima.
. He wasn’t a friend to them; rather, he played the role of a traditional parent who demanded respect.”
She further elaborated on this change, mentioning that Rishi “opened up entirely” in his final year. “He became so affectionate, showering love on me and our children. We got to see a side of him we had never experienced before. It was an emotionally rich period, and we had the best time,” she said, reminiscing fondly. This evolution in Rishi’s personality stands as a testament to how facing life’s biggest challenges can transform relationships.
On the episode, Neetu also talked about her early career. Before marrying Rishi Kapoor, Neetu had completed around 70 to 80 films. Despite a flourishing career, she chose to step back from the limelight following her marriage at the tender age of 21. The decision wasn’t an easy one, but love and commitment to her family took precedence over her dreams of stardom. “Quitting films after marriage was a massive step, but I never regretted it,” Neetu expressed, adding that the memories of her film career remain cherished.
Throughout the show, Karan Johar’s sensitive questioning allowed Neetu Kapoor to open up about various facets of her life, painting a comprehensive picture of the woman behind the star. Zeenat Aman, seated beside her, also contributed to the nostalgic ambiance, recalling their collaborative work in cinema and how times have changed since their heyday.
Rishi Kapoor’s legacy in Bollywood is indelible, marked by timeless performances and a charismatic presence that captivated audiences for decades. Neetu’s revelations on Koffee With Karan 8 offer a more personal glimpse into the life of the legendary actor, illustrating not just his achievements but also his vulnerabilities and transformations.
The interview served as both a tribute to Rishi Kapoor’s enduring legacy and a testament to Neetu Kapoor’s resilience. It highlighted the complexities of their relationship, underscored by love, respect, and growth even in the face of life’s most daunting trials.
