Anand Mahindra bids farewell to Rishi Kapoor, says 'large chunk of childhood amputated'

Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra group, bid farewell to veteran Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor who passed away on Thursday, April 30, in Mumbai. In a Twitter post, Mahindra said that a large chunk of childhood for people of his generation has been amputated after Rishi Kapoor’s demise as he entertained them for decades.

Condolences have been pouring in from around the country with political leaders and celebrities expressing grief over the demise of Rishi Kapoor who was a legend in his own right. He had been diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and had gone to the USA for treatment along with Neetu Kapoor.

On April 29, Rishi's brother and actor-director Randhir Kapoor said that he experienced breathing difficulties amid his treatment for cancer. The actor's team has issued a statement that reads as follows: "He’s no more with us. Took his last breath today morning at the hospital. Black day."

Read: WATCH: Rishi Kapoor speaks to Arnab Goswami on Nation Wants To Know

A message from Rishi Kapoor’s family

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

Rishi Kapoor's body was brought to the crematorium in an ambulance at around 3.45 pm directly from the hospital amid tight police security due to the coronavirus lockdown. Rishi's daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni could not be there at the funeral as she is travelling from Delhi. Keeping in mind the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown rules laid by the government, family members and friends present at the crematorium were seen wearing gloves and masks. 

Read: Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta Pays Unique Homage To Rishi Kapoor, Asks Others To Join His Tribute

The actor had an illustrious career spanning for more than 55 years. His blockbuster hits include Karz, Bobby, Do Dooni Chaar Khel Khel Mein, Amar Akbar Anthony, Hum Kisi se Kam Nahi, Agneepath, Chandni, etc. Rishi Kapoor's demise comes a day after fellow actor Irrfan Khan passed away in Mumbai who worked together in the film D-Day.

Read: Fan Shares Rishi Kapoor & Sridevi's Rare Pic, Terms It 'a 'Chandni' Remake In Heaven'

Read: Rishi Kapoor's Death: Anil Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, Katrina Kaif Share Fond Memories