Rishi Kapoor: The OG chocolate boy who aged into a timeless acting legend!

Rishi Kapoor didn't just adapt to the changing times but evolved himself into an actor who could make you swoon with his charm and also terrify you with his intensity. 

There are often times when I’m revisiting old classics starring icons of Hindi cinema and start wondering how better utilised their talents would have been if they were working in these times. I’m not saying mainstream cinema from the era gone by lacked substance or good subjects, but I feel content, especially in the last few years, has evolved for better and actors get to portray the kind of shades and layers that were barely explored on-screen before. Rishi Kapoor was one such actor whose career mirrored this evolution of Bollywood to a considerable extent. From his debut as a charming romantic hero to his later-life roles as a character actor, the legend explored both larger-than-life and rooted, slice-of-life outings on-screen, becoming one of the key harbingers of this evolution. 

Born into the fabled Kapoor family on this day in 1952, the world saw him for the first time as a child actor in father Raj Kapoor’s Shree 420, where he, most fittingly walked into frame on the lyrics ‘Phir bhi rahengi nishaaniyaan’ in the iconic song ‘Pyaar Hua Ikraar Hua Hai’, for he indeed went on to become a powerful symbol of the dynasty’s enduring legacy.

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After winning a National award for Mera Naam Joker as a child artist, the actor made a scintillating debut in a lead role with Bobby in 1973, directed by his father. The film opened to thunderous response at the box office and catapulted him to stardom in an instant wherein his charming portrayal of the love-struck Raj Nath made him the dream man of countless young girls of the country. The actor’s effortless acting, coupled with his dreamy looks, innocent smile and vibrant fashion choices helped him dominate the 1970s and 80s as the romantic lead.  

Rishi Kapoor’s films during this era spoke volumes of his acting prowess. The emotional depth he brought in his portrayal of Majnu that beautifully captured the essence of the tragic saga of Laila Majnu, the sensitive yet powerful embodiment of Devdhar, a man who falls in love with a widow and fights the rigid societal norms to give her a second chance at life in Prem Rog and the transition of Rohit Gupta from an effortlessly charming lover to a self pitying, bitter man post his accident in Chandini bagged him widespread acclaim and demonstrated his ability to handle complex characters with ease. But that wasn’t all, his iconic dual role in Karz, and outings in films like Khel Khel Mein, Rafoo Chakkar and Amar Akbar Anthony also proved his mettle in a genre that is considered to be the toughest of all - comedy. 

After a brief acting hiatus in the 90s, the 2000s saw Rishi Kapoor putting his renewed depth and versatility to full display, thanks to the evolution of Hindi cinema and his brilliant selection of scripts. His second innings as an actor saw him shed the chocolate boy image and embrace character roles that at times became more iconic than the leads themselves. I was always an admirer of the actor’s craft, however, a film that made me a die hard fan of him definitely has to be the 2010 comedy drama Do Dooni Chaar, opposite the actress he shared the best chemistry on and off screen with - Neetu Kapoor. It was my first memory of watching the actor whom I was used to seeing as a ‘raees ghar ka ek lauta beta’, playing a stingy yet adorable middle-class school teacher, determined to buy a car after his neighbours demeaned his family for borrowing theirs. His quirks, heartwarmingly relatable equations with his family and his students made both the audience and critics take note of how much more the actor had to offer even after 40 years in the business.

There was no stopping the veteran actor from there on as he wasn’t just playing the hero’s father or a patriarch in the background, but took on a string of powerful and meaty roles that were crucial to the narratives of the films. One that came as a complete departure from his earlier roles was that of Rauf Lala in Karan Malhotra’s 2012 Agneepath. The menace and dread that he evoked as the underworld don, stunned the audience as they were once again in awe of the actor’s versatility. He further made Kapoor & Sons memorable as the cranky, unfiltered yet loveable daadu(Grand pa), who was also the binding force of a chaotic family. 102 Not Out, was another noteworthy venture where he entertained the audience as a grumpy 75-year-old son of a 102-year-old lively father played by Amitabh Bachchan.

Their chemistry as father-son was equally iconic and effortless as their outings as brothers or friends in the 70s and 80s that wooed cinema goers on expected lines. ​D-Day, the action thriller where he played a character with shades of real-life underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim, was chilling and effective with his brilliant portrayal of the sinister mob boss. In Mulk, he delivered a powerful and nuanced performance as a Muslim patriarch fighting to restore his family's honor after being accused of treason and once again showcased his ability to tackle socially relevant subjects with gravitas.

​Rishi Kapoor's career was a masterclass in evolution. He didn't just adapt to changing times but evolved himself into an actor who could make you swoon with his charm and also terrify you with his intensity. ​Beyond his acting, what his fans will also remember him for is his candid and fiery personality off-screen. He was a man who fearlessly spoke his mind, and whether you agreed or disagreed with his takes on certain subjects, there is no denying the fact that his social media presence was a source of great entertainment and insight. ​The actor passed away on April 30, 2020, but his legacy lives on as he was more than just a star, he was the OG chocolate boy who grew into a timeless acting legend, and a slatwart whose filmography reflects some of Hindi cinema's most cherished moments!

Here's wishing you a very happy heavenly birthday, sir! You are dearly missed!

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