Rishi Kapoor

Rishi Kapoor, born Rishi Raj Kapoor on 4 September 1952 in Bombay (now Mumbai), was a celebrated Indian actor, director, and producer from the legendary Kapoor family. Son of filmmaker Raj Kapoor and Krishna Kapoor, he grew up surrounded by cinema and made his debut as a child artist in Mera Naam Joker (1970), winning the National Film Award for Best Child Artist. His first lead role came in Bobby (1973), opposite Dimple Kapadia, which became a massive success and established him as the quintessential romantic hero of the 1970s and 1980s. Over the next two decades, he starred in numerous hits such as Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Karz (1980), and Chandni (1989), cementing his reputation as one of Bollywood’s most beloved stars.

In 1980, Rishi married actress Neetu Singh, and together they became one of Bollywood’s most admired couples. He continued acting across genres, later transitioning into character roles in films like Agneepath (2012), Kapoor & Sons (2016), and Mulk (2018), earning critical acclaim for his versatility. Rishi also directed Aa Ab Laut Chalen (1999). His career spanned five decades, during which he won several accolades, including four Filmfare Awards. He passed away on 30 April 2020 in Mumbai after battling leukemia, leaving behind a rich cinematic legacy and his son, actor Ranbir Kapoor, who continues the Kapoor family tradition in Indian cinema.