Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on the demise of veteran actor Rishi Kapoor yesterday. “Multifaceted, endearing and lively...this was Rishi Kapoor. He was a powerhouse of talent. I will always recall our interactions, even on social media. He was passionate about films and India’s progress. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family and fans,” tweeted @narendramodi.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu too condoled the demise of the veteran actor, saying it as a huge loss for the entertainment industry and that the nation has lost a beloved son and film industry a gem.
Taking to Twitter, the president said, “An evergreen personality with an always smiling face, he was so full of life that it’s difficult to believe that he is no more. A huge loss for the entertainment industry. Let us pray for his soul. Condolences to his family and friends.”
Vice President Naidu said that the nation lost a beloved son and the film industry lost a gem.
“Saddened to learn about the demise of veteran Hindi film actor, Rishi Kapoor. The talented actor essayed many roles with aplomb and was popular for his romantic films. In his passing away, the nation lost a beloved son and film industry lost a gem,” Naidu tweeted.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also condoled the sad demise of Kapoor. In his message, Birla said: “My heartfelt homage to the untimely demise of legendary actor, director and producer Rishi Kapoor ji. His demise is a deep loss for Indian cinema. I pray for strength for his bereaved family. Om Shanti.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah dubbed Kapoor “an institution in himself.”
“Pained to know about the passing away of legendary actor Rishi Kapoor. He was an institution in himself. Rishi’s demise is an irreparable loss for Indian cinema. He will always be remembered for his exceptional acting skills. Condolences to his family and followers,” Shah tweeted.
Maharashtra leaders were stunned at the actor’s demise, coming just a day after another stalwart Irrfan Khan passed away.
Leading the state in paying glowing tributes, governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari said Rishi Kapoor was born in the ‘first family’ of Bollywood which made vast contributions to Indian film industry for a long period.
“His greatness lies in the fact that he made his distinct mark amidst a galaxy of stalwarts and superstars during the golden era of film industry. The numerous roles crafted by him with his superb acting skills will be remembered for many years. His demise, coming soon after the passing of Irrfan Khan, has come as a major jolt to the film industry,” Koshyari said.
“Rishi Kapoor was a pure actor without parallels, humane with an independent style, who contributed greatly to the Indian film industry. He strode over the industry for two generations and his demise is a big blow to the film fraternity,” Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said in a condolence message.
Referring to the contributions of the Kapoor clan, Thackeray said that starting with the acting legend Prithviraj Kapoor to ‘The Great Showman’ Raj Kapoor, their contributions to the Indian film world can never be forgotten.
“Rishi Kapoor effectively carried forward the family legacy and was a bridge between the two generations... He was an outspoken person but a fine actor, writer, director, producer who successfully amalgamated content with technological advances. My heartfelt condolences,” Thackeray said.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar described Rishi Kapoor as “an ever-smiling, ever-green and talented iconic star of Indian cinema” full of enthusiasm, who spread joy among film lovers.
“Rishi Kapoor ably carried ahead the legacy of the Kapoor family. He had been ailing since the past few months, but he never let his anguish be known to his fans and maintained his connections with the film industry and the people till the very end,” Ajit Pawar said.
State Congress president and Cabinet Minister Balasaheb Thorat said he was “deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely demise of a most charming actor Rishi Kapoor”.
“He showed great strength in fighting against cancer. He will be remembered for the iconic roles he played. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans,” said Thorat.
“Saddened to hear about the demise of veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, the legend who ruled over the hearts of millions,” said Cabinet Minister Ashok Chavan.
Nationalist Congress Party president Sharad Pawar said: “Saddened to know about the demise of veteran actor Rishi Kapoor. Indian film industry has lost a versatile and charismatic actor. My sincere condolences to the Kapoor family.”
NCP MP Supriya Sule described Rishi Kapoor as a “highly talented acclaimed actor and a very fine human being and friend”.
Nationalist Congress Party’s national spokesperson and minister Nawab Malik said he was “extremely sad to hear of the veteran actor Rishi Kapoor” and offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones.
Bharatiya Janata Party opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis termed Rishi Kapoor’s demise as “sad news again from Bollywood”.
The 67-year-old actor was admitted to HN Reliance Hospital in Mumbai by his family on Wednesday morning after complaining that he was not feeling well. Wife Neetu Kapoor was at his side.
His demise was confirmed by the Kapoor family in a statement earlier yesterday.
Rishi Kapoor
