Bollywood’s evergreen actor Rishi Kapoor turned 67 today!
Rishi Kapoor was born on September 4, 1952, in Mumbai. It’s Rishi Kapoor’s 67th birthday today and is also the happiest birthday for him after he overcame a serious illness, recovering from months of treatment. His father Raj Kapoor was a great actor-director and his uncles Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor were among the biggest stars of their generation.
Rishi Kapoor’s first on-screen stint was as a toddler in the song ‘Pyaar Hua Ikraar Hua’ in the 1955 film Shree 420. In 1970, he debuted in his father’s film ‘Mera Naam Joker’ as the younger version of Raj Kapoor’s character Raju. The film also starred Simi Garewal and Manoj Kumar. It fetched him a National Award for Best Child Artist.
Rishi Kapoor aka Chintu has managed to play the lead role in 51 movies. He has been a mainstream star from the year 1973 to 2000. His movies like Bobby, Laila Majnu, Rafoo Chakkar, Sangram, Karz, Prem Rog, Nagina, Honeymoon, Banjaran, Heena and Bol Radha Bol were extremely successful. Consequently, Rishi Kapoor commands a huge following among Indian moviegoers.
Five Decades of Bollywood’s Original Heartthrob
From playing the boy-next-door in the 80s and 90s to transforming his image by playing the roles of a father in 2000s, Rishi Kapoor has not left any stone unturned as far as experimenting with roles is concerned. So much so, that the actor went to the next level in the 2010s and also played an oldie in a handful of films in the last few years including Kapoor & Sons, 102 Not Out and Mulk.
But, from the past 11 months, fans have missed him on the silver screen. He has been under treatment for a life-threatening disease. Kapoor was diagnosed with a ‘marrow problem’ and for the same, he had to move to New York to pursue treatment.
“I had a marrow problem. I had to get it rectified. There was nothing serious as such. But you can’t fly long hours so I had to be here. I went through treatment and thankfully, it was successful,” explained Rishi Kapoor.
His Love For His Wife
Standing by him like a pillar of strength is Neetu Kapoor.
It’s Not the end of the road- Neetu Kapoor
In an earlier interview, Rishi Kapoor stated Neetu Kapoor stood like a rock beside Rishi Kapoor as the Bollywood star battled with cancer. In fact, Rishi Kapoor never fails to give credit to his lovely wife.
Once Neetu quoted, “It’s like I told you he became like my child and I wanted to do everything in my power that he should not be in pain, he should get whatever he wants.” To which Rishi instantly said, “She has been a rock of Gibraltar, really really supported me without her I wouldn’t be not getting anywhere.”
It’s been almost a year since Rishi Kapoor has been in New York for his cancer treatment. His fans back home are missing him very much.
During the time of the treatment, there have so many of his industry friends and family who visited the actor to lift his spirits. Everyone prayed for him and his fans showered him with much love.
Happy Birthday, Chintu!
Rishi Kapoor might be in New York for his 67th birthday but the actor’s co-stars and loved ones made him feel at home by sending special greetings to him. Meanwhile, on his special day, Bollywood celebrities have flooded the actor’s Twitter notifications with wishes.
Rishi Kapoor’s daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni posted a throwback picture on her Instagram profile. Along with the picture, she wrote, “From my heart to you Papa, to the most special person! I love you #mydaddystrongest #birthdayeve #lovemydad.”
Later, she also shared images of Rishi Kapoor with his family in New York. She captioned the picture, “Happy happiest birthday Papa! I love you more than anything & am so so proud to call you my dad ❤️#strongestdaddyintheworld #birthdaylove🎂”.
Bollywood is eagerly waiting for Rishi Kapoor’s return to home
Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor wrote in his birthday wish: “You’ve always been like family to me, an elder brother and an actor I admire. I hope to see you working your magic on screen again and look forward to us working together as well. Sending you lots of love and light.”
Meanwhile, Madhuri Dixit, who co-starred with Rishi Kapoor in films like Sahibaan, Yaraana and Prem Granth also wished the actor on Twitter on Wednesday. She wrote: “Happy birthday Rishi Kapoor. Wishing you a year of good health and happiness!”
Suniel Shetty called him “brutally honest” and “wonderful”. He wrote, “Happy birthday to the MAN of the moment…The brutally honest,wonderful ,hilarious and truly amazing @chintskap …. loooove you sir …stay blessed.”
Ekta Kapoor tweeted, “Happy bday @chintskap ! Chintu uncle ur a fantastic actor n human! N u deserve d best! Stay healthy n happy”.
Other Famous Celebs From Bollywood
Composer Salim Merchant shared a photo with Kapoor and wrote, “Happy birthday Rishi ji! ?@chintskap best wishes for good health & happiness. We love you!”
Bollywood actress Urmila Matondkar too congratulated the star, “Have had the honour of sharing Screen space with you more than once but more importantly knowing the Gem called Rishi Kapoor. Wishing you a very happy healthy birthday. May you keep Rocking and keep us rocking with you love and fond regards.”
Welcome, Home!
And finally, the wait is over! He has taken the flight back home on the day of his birthday after battling the life-threatening disease. And this is the reason why this birthday is the happiest one for him. He is going to be back with his friends and family.
A fan snapped Rishi and Neetu at the New York airport as they prepared to leave the city. The picture was shared on Instagram and we can’t wait to welcome the superstar back to Mumbai after his battle with the grave disease. Check out the snap here:
We as people ignore our health so much in our busy lifestyles. But Rishi Kapoor has now understood the true value of health. And, what better way of teaching a life lesson than battling and overcoming the biggest diversity of life.
We hope that he resumes work and gets back to the big screen as soon as possible.
