Rishi Kapoor was Bollywood’s go-to guy for romantic roles in the 80s and 90s. But did you know that he reinvented himself in his 50s too? An actor’s worth is weighed by the films that he worked on. As we observe his first death anniversary on April 30 today, here’s a look at his career-defining films that made Kapoor a star to reckon with. Kapoor died after his battle with blood cancer last year, but his rich legacy of films cannot be discounted.
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Bobby (1973): This was Rishi Kapoor’s first film as an adult and the world got acquainted with the charm of the actor. This movie, which also made Dimple Kapadia an overnight star, worked because of the immense chemistry between the lead pair. Both were new faces in 1973 and both endeared as star-crossed lovers fighting the rich-poor divide. It was also a movie that tackled the tricky subject of an adult male fall with an under-age girl who’s 16. While this movie may not have takers these days, this forbidden romance held appeal back then. The movie was also a fashion trendsetter with Kapoor and Kapadia’s sense of style being emulated by Bollywood fans during that time. Directed by Raj Kapoor, there was a strong rumour that this film was made specifically to prove that Kapadia was no alleged love-child of the Kapoor clan. Watch it for the songs too.
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Saagar (1985): Actor Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia breathed life into this stirring romantic triangle. This was one of Kapoor’s finest romances and he made sure that his debut was a memorable one with Kapadia’s comeback post her marriage to Rajesh Khanna. The movie was also a commentary on how love cannot flourish if there’s a class divide between lovers. If Ravi, the dashing Kapoor, played the rich industrialist, Mona came from a relatively less-wealthy background. The parental opposition, the unrequited love of the best friend Raja (Kamal Haasan) and the wonderful chemistry between the lead pair made this movie rock.
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Amar Akbar Anthony (1977): It was no secret that Kapoor was irreverent towards Amitabh Bachchan, who ruled the roost in Bollywood back then. This comedy of three brothers raised in different religious backgrounds proved that Rishi could hold his own against Bachchan and Vinod Khanna who were senior to him. ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ is witty and whacky. The chemistry and camaraderie between the three actors was comic gold.
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Nagina (1986): It was Sridevi who played the shape-shifting snake in this fantasy series, but Rishi Kapoor as her partner gave the film a much-needed legitimate stamp. How many actors could sell the story of a beautiful woman morphing into a snake, while her partner is helpless? Kapoor complemented Sridevi’s character like a thorough professional.
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Yeh Vaada Raha (1982): It is clear that Rishi Kapoor spearheaded many films where he played the rich, privileged lad who falls in love with a poor girl. He then takes on the world and his stroppy parents to prove that love can conquer all. This movie gave Kapoor the currency to play heroes in forbidden romance. The film starred Rakhee, Poonam Dhillon and Tina Munim.
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Bol Radha Bol (1992): Rishi Kapoor was in a double role in this romantic thriller. He played a rich man who has an evil doppelganger who takes over his privileged life and starts running his business empire. His chemistry with Juhi Chawla, who plays a fetching village belle, was one of the highlights of this film. Watch out for the hit songs that were so popular in the 1990s. This movie gave us an idea that Kapoor can excel in grey roles, too.
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Kapoor & Sons (2016): Rishi Kapoor played the 90-year-old patriarch from Conoor who hoped that his family would reunite for his birthday celebrations. But family reunions can be fraught with emotions and this one was no different. Kapoor as the grand old man was brilliant and a hoot to watch.
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Chandini (1989): If you are in the mood for a stirring romance, then ‘Chandini’, also starring the late icon Sridevi, is a good place to start. The songs are divine and the romance makes you yearn for happy endings. Kapoor played a young man who falls in love with Chandni, but rejects her when he has a nasty accident that makes him wheelchair bound. He was doing it for her good and that conflict was beautifully portrayed by Kapoor.
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Do Dooni Chaar (2010): After playing a string of rich, privileged lads, it was heartening to see Kapoor play a middle-class man. He played the schoolteacher Mr Duggal with such admirable sprightliness. It was also wonderful to see him re-unite with his wife Neetu Singh on the big screen. Their daily squabbles to make ends meet was brilliant. Suddenly with this film, Kapoor gave a voice to millions of middle-class Indian who aspired for a better life. Their daily struggles was entertainingly told.
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Agneepath (2012): This 2012 remake of Amitabh Bachchan’s 1990 film saw Kapoor show his versatility and massive range as an actor by playing a ruthless pimp. If you thought that Kapoor was capable of playing vanilla roles alone, this movie altered that belief. His kohl-lined beady eyes as a drug dealer and flesh trade maven was a revelation. Film folklore has it that Kapoor gave the first look test of his career for this film. Apparently, he had reservations about playing a dark, wicked character, but it turned out to be one of his defining roles of his career. Here's full marks to this actor for daring to re-invent himself at any point in his life.
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Mulk (2018): In this era of religious intolerance, ‘Mulk’ is a searing film that chronicled the struggle of a Muslilm famly trying to prove their innocence. Thy are branded as traitors and Kaooor, who is the head of the family, aims to prove everyone wrong. To see mainstream Bollywood actors take on bold narratives was what made this Kapoor film shine. His performance was spot on too. If you are in the mood for a relevant, politically-charged film that reflects the intolerance and bigotry around the world, then this is a good starting point.
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D-Day (2013): Rishi Kapoor as the dreaded, elusive gangster in ‘D-Day’ set in Pakistan was a masterclass in lethal acting by Kapoor and other actors. Shrugging the enduring image of a harmless guy in films, Kapoor showed his mean and ruthless side to his fans. One of the films of Kapoor’s career, the actor proved that he is never too late to reinvent.
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