RISHI KAPOOR, beloved Bollywood star of the 1970’s and 80’s and scion of the famed Kapoor acting family, has died. He was 67.

His death was confirmed by his brother Randhir who told Indian news agency PTI, “He is no more. He has passed away.”

Kapoor had been battling cancer for the last two years and had also undergone treatment in New York last year before returning to Mumbai. On Wednesday night, he was admitted to hospital complaining of breathing problems.

Born in Mumbai into the Kapoor acting dynasty, widely considered the first family of Bollywood, he was the son of legendary actor-director Raj and grandson of iconic theatre and film star Prithviraj. His brothers Rajiv and Randhir also became actors while his uncles included the actors Shashi and Shammi. Kapoor married the actress Neetu Singh, with whom he co-starred with in several films, and their son Ranbir, the fourth generation of the clan, is presently one of the leading stars in Bollywood.

Kapoor made his film debut as a child actor in his father’s films starting with 1955’s “Shree 420” followed by a notable turn in “Mera Naam Joker” in 1970. His big break as a leading man came in 1973 in the blockbuster “Bobby,” directed by his father, and he quickly became one of India’s biggest film stars over the next two decades.

Kapoor was known for his romantic roles, and he went on to deliver a string of hits such as “Amar Akbar Anthony,” “Laila Majnu,” “Rafoo Chakkar,” “Sargam,” “Karz,” “Prem Rog,” “Chandni,” “Heena,” “Bol Radha Bol” and “Saagar,” among many others. In all, he starred in almost 100 films.

After decades as a leading man, Kapoor switched to supporting roles in the 2000s and featured in films such as “Fanaa,” “Love Aaj Kal” and “Namastey London.” Even in his later years, he was quite active and recently starred with Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan in “102 Not Out,” with both actors reuniting after almost three decades. Kapoor’s upcoming projects included the Bollywood remake of “The Intern” which was supposed to begin production this year co-starring actress Deepika Padukone.

His last onscreen appearance was in 2019’s “The Body,” an official remake of Spanish film “El Cuerpo” while Kapoor was in the midst of filming “Sharmajee Namkeen.”

News of Kapoor’s death has shaken Bollywood, particularly as it came a day after the death of the equally revered star Irrfan Khan. Bachchan tweeted, “He’s gone. Rishi Kapoor, gone, just passed away. I am destroyed.”

With India currently under lockdown due to the novel coronavirus, the Kapoor family issued a statement to urge fans not to publicly gather to pay their respects to Kapoor as is the tradition in the country. “In this hour of personal loss, we also recognize the world is going through a very difficult and troubled time. There are numerous resrictions 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,” the statement said.

Kapoor is survived by his wife Neetu and children Riddhima and Ranbir.

(SD-Agencies)