Rishi Kapoor dies at 67 in Mumbai, film fraternity mourns demise of Bollywood actor

Rishi Kapoor dead at 67: “Our dear Rishi Kapoor passed away peacefully at 8:45 am IST in hospital today after a two-year battle with leukemia,” the Kapoor family said in a statement.

Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor passed away in Mumbai on Thursday, following a long battle with cancer. He was 67.

Randhir Kapoor confirmed the news of Rishi’s demise to indianexpress.com. Randhir said, “He passed away just now.”

The Kapoor family in a statement said, “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. He would not have it any other way.”

Celebrities across India took to social media to offer their condolences.

Amitabh Bachchan took to Twitter and wrote, “T 3517 – He’s GONE .. ! Rishi Kapoor .. gone .. just passed away .. I am destroyed!”

Akshay Kumar tweeted, “It seems like we’re in the midst of a nightmare…just heard the depressing news of #RishiKapoor ji passing away, it’s heartbreaking. He was a legend, a great co-star and a good friend of the family. My thoughts and prayers with his family.”

Rajinikanth posted on Twitter, “Heartbroken … Rest In Peace … my dearest friend #RishiKapoor”

Priyanka Chopra shared on Twitter, “My heart is so heavy. This is the end of an era. #Rishisir your candid heart and immeasurable talent will never be encountered again. Such a privilege to have known you even a little bit. My condolences to Neetu maam, Ridhima, Ranbir and the rest of the family. Rest in peace Sir.”