Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor are two of the biggest icons in the Indian film industry. While Amitabh Bachchan became famous as Bollywood’s “Angry Young Man,” Rishi Kapoor won hearts as the ultimate romantic hero, known for his youthful charm and stylish fashion. Over the years, they worked together in several successful films, including Kabhi Kabhie, Amar Akbar Anthony, Naseeb, and 102 Not Out.
Rishi Kapoor’s passing in 2020 left a deep void in the industry. He was battling cancer and was hospitalized in Mumbai during his final days. However, Amitabh Bachchan never visited him in the hospital. Later, the veteran actor revealed the emotional reason behind his decision.
Amitabh Bachchan & Rishi Kapoor’s Legacy in Bollywood
Rishi Kapoor made his debut as a lead actor with Bobby, which made him an overnight sensation. His charm, effortless acting, and romantic image won over audiences, making him one of the most beloved stars in Bollywood. Over the years, he evolved as an actor, taking on intense, comedic, and character roles, proving his versatility. His unique fashion sense, especially his colorful sweaters, became a trend that fans adored.
On the other hand, Amitabh Bachchan ruled Bollywood with his action-packed performances and deep voice. He was the face of the ‘Angry Young Man’ era, delivering powerful performances that resonated with the audience. Together, Bachchan and Kapoor shared an incredible on-screen chemistry, giving fans some of the most memorable films in Bollywood history.
Rishi Kapoor’s Battle with Cancer & Amitabh Bachchan’s Tribute
Rishi Kapoor was diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment in New York before returning to India. Sadly, on April 30, 2020, he passed away at the age of 67. The news of his passing shocked the industry and his fans worldwide. Many celebrities paid their respects, including Amitabh Bachchan, who shared an emotional tribute to his longtime friend and co-star.
In a heartfelt video posted on Instagram, Amitabh Bachchan reminisced about his fond memories of Rishi Kapoor. He recalled first seeing him as a young boy at Raj Kapoor’s house and later watching him train as an actor at RK Studios. Amitabh spoke about Rishi’s enthusiasm, dedication, and mischievous charm that made him a joy to be around.
Why Amitabh Bachchan Didn’t Visit Rishi Kapoor in the Hospital
In the latter part of the video, Amitabh Bachchan revealed the reason why he never visited Rishi Kapoor in the hospital. He explained that he did not want to see distress on Rishi’s ever-smiling face. He believed that Rishi Kapoor would have left the world with a gentle smile, just as he had always carried throughout his life. The video was simply captioned “In Memoriam,” and it deeply moved fans and followers.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Recent Work
Despite the personal loss, Amitabh Bachchan continues to entertain audiences with his incredible performances. He was last seen in Kalki 2898 AD and Vettaiyan, released in 2024. His presence on the big screen remains as captivating as ever, proving that he is truly a legend in Indian cinema.
Conclusion
Rishi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan’s bond was more than just professional—it was built on years of respect and admiration. While fans wished to see Amitabh visit Rishi in his final days, his reason for staying away was deeply emotional. He wanted to remember Rishi Kapoor as the cheerful, vibrant person he always was. Their legacy in Bollywood will live on forever, with their films continuing to bring joy to generations of movie lovers.
