Rishi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan are two legendary names that shaped the golden era of
Bollywood
. Their on-screen camaraderie in films like '
Kabhi Kabhie
,' 'Naseeb,' 'Amar Akbar Anthony,' and '
102 Not Out
' remains etched in cinematic history. While Amitabh embodied the intensity of the ‘angry young man,’ Rishi was the quintessential romantic hero, known for his charming persona and iconic fashion choices. Together, they carved a unique niche in the industry, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
However, when Rishi Kapoor succumbed to cancer on April 30, 2020, at the age of 67, many were surprised that Amitabh Bachchan never visited him in the hospital during his final days. The megastar later revealed the deeply personal reason behind his absence in a touching tribute that left fans emotional.
A few days after Rishi’s passing, Amitabh Bachchan shared a heartfelt video on Instagram, reminiscing about his long-time colleague and friend. He took his audience back in time, recalling his first memories of the young, mischievous Rishi at Deonar Cottage, Chembur—the Kapoor family home.
Bachchan reflected on how he saw Rishi evolve from an eager trainee at RK Studios into the beloved star of 'Bobby.' He described him as an enthusiastic youngster, always ready to absorb every bit of knowledge in the legendary makeup room of Raj Kapoor.
In the latter part of his tribute, Amitabh finally addressed the question that lingered on many minds—why didn’t he visit Rishi Kapoor in the hospital? He revealed with great emotion, “I never wanted to see distress on his smiling, cherubic face. But I am certain when he went, he must have gone with a gentle smile.”
This profound sentiment struck a chord with many, as it highlighted the deep bond the two actors shared. For Amitabh, Rishi was not just a co-star but a cherished friend, and he wanted to remember him the way he had always been—full of life, laughter, and an ever-present twinkle in his eyes.
Bachchan captioned his tribute simply, “In Memorium.” The video remains one of the most touching farewells given to the legendary Rishi Kapoor. Even though Rishi Kapoor is no longer with us, his films, his charisma, and his larger-than-life presence continue to captivate audiences. As for Amitabh Bachchan, he remains an enduring force in cinema, carrying forward the legacy of an era that defined Bollywood’s finest years.