PM Modi recalls Rishi Kapoor's equal passion for films & India's progress in rich tribute

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to family and fans of Rishi Kapoor post his demise on Wednesday. Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister described the veteran actor as 'multifaceted, endearing and lively'.

PM Modi also called him a powerhouse of talent and said that he will always recall interactions with him on social media as he was passionate about films as well as India’s progress. 

Actor Rishi Kapoor passed away at HN Reliance Hospital at the age of 67 on Thursday after being admitted there a day earlier. Issuing a statement after his demise, the Kapoor family said that he passed away at 8:45 am after a two-year battle with Leukemia.

As his demise comes amid the country's battle with the deadly Coronavirus, the Kapoor family in its statement has made an appeal. "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." They added that the veteran actor would not have it any other way. "He would not have it any other way."

READ | Rishi Kapoor passes away aged 67 at Mumbai hospital; team issues statement

Statement 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.

READ | Rishi Kapoor no more: Harsha Bhogle devastated at his childhood icon's demise in Mumbai

His team's statement:

The actor's team issued a statement after Amitabh Bachchan tweeted about his demise. It read as: "He’s no more with us. Took his last breath today morning at the hospital. Black day." 

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Rishi Kapoor was diagnosed with cancer in 2018. He went to the USA for treatment along with his wife Neetu Kapoor. His son Ranbir and actor-girlfriend Alia Bhatt, daughter Riddhima and many other stars had visited him at that time. He returned to India last year and signed films like the remake of Intern opposite Deepika Padukone and Sharmaji Namkeen alongside Juhi Chawla. In February, he was admitted to a Delhi hospital after taking ill during shooting. Rishi Kapoor was last seen in the film The Body opposite Emraan Hashmi. 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 just a day after the tragic death of fellow actor Irrfan Khan.