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With his debut film ‘Bobby’, Rishi Kapoor became an overnight star, cementing his place as a romantic hero. However, his entry into the film industry was also a turning point for his father, Raj Kapoor
Throughout his life, Rishi Kapoor remained known for playing romantic roles. But his entry into the Bollywood industry is quite an interesting story. (News18 Hindi)
Veteran Hindi cinema actor Rishi Kapoor, who came from the renowned film family of Kapoors, proved right at the beginning of his career that acting was in his blood.
He started working in his father’s films as a child artist and went on to star in 12 films alongside his wife, Neetu Kapoor.
Throughout his life, he remained known for playing romantic roles. But his entry into Bollywood is quite an interesting story.
With his debut film Bobby, Rishi Kapoor became an overnight star, cementing his place as a romantic hero. However, his entry into the film industry was also a turning point for his father, Raj Kapoor.
When Mera Naam Joker flopped, leaving Raj Kapoor in financial distress, he made Bobby to recover his losses. With a limited budget, he cast his son as the lead, and the film became a blockbuster. In many ways, Rishi Kapoor became a hero to help clear his father’s debt.
Despite his success, Rishi Kapoor often expressed regret over being typecast. He revealed in several interviews that he was neither a trained dancer nor had a sculpted physique, yet he continued working, and audiences loved him.
He entered the industry during an era dominated by action films, yet his romantic style resonated with fans.
In 1989, he starred alongside Sridevi in Chandni, a massive hit that showcased their on-screen chemistry. His portrayal of ‘Rohit’ in the film further cemented his status as the king of romance.
Though he played mostly romantic roles in the early years of his career, he worked with almost every leading actress of his time.
Born into the illustrious Kapoor family, Rishi Kapoor actually debuted as a child artist in his father Raj Kapoor’s film Mera Naam Joker (1970), earning the National Film Award for Best Child Artist. His first lead role in Bobby (1973) catapulted him to stardom, winning him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
Throughout his career, spanning over five decades, Kapoor starred in numerous iconic films such as Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Karz (1980), Chandni (1989), and Deewana (1992).
Known for his romantic roles, he seamlessly transitioned to character roles in the 2000s, delivering acclaimed performances in films like Do Dooni Chaar (2010), Agneepath (2012), and Kapoor & Sons (2016).
Kapoor’s contributions were recognized with several prestigious awards. He won four Filmfare Awards, including Best Actor for Bobby and Best Supporting Actor for Kapoor & Sons.
Rishi Kapoor’s legacy is celebrated for his ability to adapt to changing times and his dedication to his craft. His final film, Sharmaji Namkeen (2022), released posthumously, stands as a testament to his enduring impact on Indian cinema.
