Just as we’re grappling at the loss of one of the most legendary actors in Bollywood, Irfan Khan, we’ve lost another icon as well. It breaks our heart to report that veteran actor Rishi Kapoor breathed his last today at 67 years of age. Rishi ji who was battling leukemia from 2018 succumbed to the disease today morning at 8:45 AM in a hospital in Mumbai. Both his wife Neetu Kapoor and his son Ranbir Kapoor were by his side. His brother Randhir Kapoor revealed that he was rushed to the hospital after having complained of not feeling well on Wednesday morning. In a statement released by his family after his passing, they request his fans and friends to follow the protocol we’re living under the lockdown.
Here’s the official statement from the Kapoor family below:
Our dear Rishi Kapoor passed away peacefully at 8:45am IST in hospital today after a two-year battle with leukemia. The doctors and medical staff at the hospital said he kept them entertained to the last.
He remained jovial and determined to live to the fullest right through two years of treatment across two continents. Family, friends, food and films remained his focus and everyone who met him during this time was amazed at how he did not let his illness get the better of him.
He was grateful for the love of his fans that poured in from the world over. In his passing, they would all understand that he would like to be remembered with a smile and not with tears.
In this hour of personal loss, we also recognise the world is going through a very difficult and troubled time. There are numerous restrictions around movement and gathering in public. We would like to request all his fans and well-wishers and friends of the family to please respect the laws that are in force.
He would not have it any other way.
We hope and pray for his soul to rest in peace.