Veteran Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor passes away aged 67

Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor passed away on April 30 after a prolonged illness.

Bollywood's heartthrob of the 70s' and acclaimed National Award winning actor Rishi Kapoor passed away at the Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai on April 30.

He is survived by his family that includes his wife - actress Neetu Singh, his son actor Ranbir Kapoor and daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahani who is a designer.

The actor was admitted to Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital on April 29 morning but the reason for his admission was unknown.

His family has released the following statement that was shared by noted film critic and business analyst Taran Adarsh:

"Our dear Rishi Kapoor passed away peacefully at 8:45 am 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.

T 3517 - He's GONE .. ! Rishi Kapoor .. gone .. just passed away ..
I am destroyed !

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) April 30, 2020

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union minister for Information and Broadcasting, Prakash Javadekar shared their condolences on Twitter.

Multifaceted, endearing and lively...this was Rishi Kapoor Ji. 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. Om Shanti.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 30, 2020

The sudden demise of actor Rishi Kapoor is shocking. He was not only a great actor but a good human being. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. Om Shanti

— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) April 30, 2020

Also Read: ‘He's gone’: Tributes pour in on social media as Rishi Kapoor passes away 

Earlier yesterday Rishi Kapoor's elder brother Randhir Kapoor had confirmed to News18, "It's true that he has been admitted to the hospital. He is in Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital. He was not keeping well and had some problem, so we admitted him early this morning."

Rishi Kapoor had returned to India in September after undergoing treatment for cancer in the US for almost a year.

He was previously taken to the hospital in February earlier this year after being diagnosed with an infection.

Also Read: Rishi Kapoor's last words on Twitter: 'We have to win this coronavirus war together'

Rishi Kapoor was awarded with a National Award for his portrayal of the childhood of his father Raj Kapoor in Mera Naam Joker that released in 1970.

Following Mera Naam Joker, Rishi Kapoor amused one and all in one of the biggest Bollywood hits of the 70s, Bobby (1973) opposite Dimple Kapadia.

Later he delivered many box office hits such as Rafoo Chakkar, Karz, Prem Rog, Naseeb, Laila Majnu, Amar Akbar Anthony and Damini among others.