Remembering Rishi Kapoor (1952-2020): A Pioneer who Revolutionized Commercial Cinema!

Rishi Kapoor breathed his first on September 4, 1952. Being born in an artist’s family, he was always exposed to cinema as an art. He became a part of the Hindi Cinema with his debut in father Raj Kapoor's film Mera Naam Joker (1970). He went on to secure the National Film Award for his debut role as a child artist. 

Rishi was merely 18 years old when he won his first award that proved to be a stepping stone for a career in the years to come. His first award would grant him the confidence to hone his skills and carry on the legacy of Kapoors who were one of the few families to lay the foundation of Bollywood. 

Kapoor had his first lead role as an adult opposite Dimple Kapadia in 1973 with the film Bobby and he received the Filmfare Best Actor Award in 1974. Possessing an eye for quality content, Rishi saw beyond the setting sun and picked up films that were way ahead of its time. Teaching the youngsters to love amid the social turmoil, for the next few years, he constantly advocated Love Affairs, which would change the face of orthodox Indian society. Constantly focused on pronouncing social messages through his films Rishi made his mark in the commercial foray with films like Bobby, Prem Rog, Karz, Yeh Vaada Raha, and many more.

Rishi Kapoor’s contemporary cinema was critically acclaimed which helped him amas appreciation and love from his fans. 

In a career span of 50-years, Rishi made a lot of noise with his art as he knocked out each and every opportunity he received. As the actor continued aging, he had already seen the transition of Hindi cinema to Bollywood - The gears of this platform worked via ‘Commercialization’. 

Watching the young kids grow, he had already experienced much. Despite his age gap he easily caught up with the spiritful young actors who were the future of Bollywood. Performing as a Romantic lead in 92 films between 1973 and 2000, of which 36 of his films were box office hits. 

Rishi’s Do Dooni Chaar won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor in 2011 and for his role in Kapoor & Sons, he won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2017. He was known for his films like All Is Well, Sanam Re, 102 Not Out, Mulk, Rajma Chawal, The Body. 

The End if an Artist’s Era...

Rishi Kapoor breathed his last on April 30, 2020, from complications with cancer in H.N. Reliance Hospital; leaving a void that no actor could fill. His art and ideas for romance have resonated through his films and they will continue to seek audience in the future generations as well.