Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (AM)
Mumbai, Apr 30: Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor passed away at H N Reliance hospital in the morning on Thursday, April 30.
The 67-year-old actor was suffering from breathing problem and thus admitted to the hospital by his family on Wednesday. His brother Randhir had confirmed the news. He had also said that he was in the hospital and wife and yesteryear actress Neetu was by his side.
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan was reportedly the first to confirm the news of Kapoor's death on Twitter.
The actor had returned to India last September after undergoing treatment for cancer in the US for almost a year. Earlier, in February, Kapoor was hospitalised twice due to his health issues.
Kapoor, who was quite active on social media, had not posted anything on his Twitter account since April 2.
The actor had recently announced his next project, a remake of Hollywood film 'The Intern', also featuring actress Deepika Padukone.
A message from Rishi Kapoor’s family said, “Our dear Rishi Kapoor passed away peacefully at 8:45 am IST in hospital today after a two-year battle with leukaemia. 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 the statement.