Fragrance of Yesteryears: Rishi Kapoor

Hailing from a family of stars, it was probably no surprise to anyone when Rishi, born Rishi Raj Kapoor, followed his father, film director and star Raj Kapoor, into the industry. The second son of three, Rishi did his schooling with his brothers at Campion School in Mumbai, and then Mayo College in Ajmer. Both his brothers Randhir and Rajiv are also well-known actors in the industry. His wife, Neetu Singh, and his son, Ranbir Kapoor are also members of the Bollywood fraternity. His daughter, Riddhima Kapoor Sahani, is a designer and possibly the only member of the esteemed Kapoor clan to not appear on the big screen. He is the paternal uncle to actress-sisters Karisma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor.

Kapoor debuted on the big screen in his father's 1970 hit Mera Naam Joker, where he played the child version of father's character. His first lead role came three years later in the popular film Bobby, where he starred opposite the beautiful Dimple Kapadia. This role led to him play the romantic lead in about ninety odd films between 1973 and 2000. He appeared opposite his real-life wife in twelve films, including Khel Khel Mein (1975), Rafoo Chakkar (1975), Kabhie Kabhie (1976), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Pati, Patni Aur Woh (1978) and Duniya Meri Jab Mein (1979). Somehow, their jodi onscreen was only a hit in multi-star cast films, the exception being Rafoo Chakkar.

While he acted as the solo lead hero in many films between 1973 and 1997, only a total of eleven of his films were hits at the box office. He moved on to playing the younger brother of the main lead in many films between 1977 and 1994. He directed Aa Ab Laut Chalen in 1999, which starred Rajesh Khanna, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Akshaye Khanna, Kader Khan, Paresh Rawal and Jaspal Bhatti. His last film as a romantic lead was the 5-year delayed Karobaar: The Business of Love, which came out in 2000 and was unsuccessful.

In the 2000s, he moved on to playing supporting roles, as the parent or mentor figure to the protagonists. He has since appeared in many hits such as Hum Tum (2004), Fanaa (2006), Namastey London (2007), Love Aaj Kal (2009) and Patiala House (2010). He has also appeared in British films Don't Stop Dreaming (2007) and Sambar Salsa (2008). He and his wife reunited onscreen in the film Do Dooni Chaar in 2010 after many years.

He received the National Film Award in 1971 for his debut role as a child artist and the Filmfare Best Actor Award for Bobby in 1974. Throughout the years, Rishi has received numerous accolades, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.

Writer: Aradhna K.

Editor(s): Mohini N. and Gunia K.

Graphics: Shikha A.