Rishi Kapoor
New Delhi, April 30 (PTI): The death of the veteran Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor a huge loss for the Indian film industry and shocking, said President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders from different political parties.
The actor, 67, died on Thursday at HN Reliance hospital in Mumbai after a two year long battle with leukemia, his elder brother Randhir Kapoor
The president condoled the demise of Kapoor, calling it as shocking and a huge loss for the entertainment industry.
"Rishi Kapoor's untimely demise is shocking. An evergreen personality with an always smiling face, he was so full of life that it's difficult to believe that he is no more," Kovind tweeted.
"A huge loss for the entertainment industry. Let us pray for his soul. Condolences to his family and friends," the president added.
PM Narendra Modi called Rishi Kapoor a "powerhouse of talent".
"Multifaceted, endearing and lively...this was Rishi Kapoor Ji. He was a powerhouse of talent. I will always recall our interactions, even on social media. He was passionate about films and India's progress. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family and fans. Om Shanti," Modi tweeted.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu also took to Twitter and wrote, "Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of veteran Hindi film actor, Rishi Kapoor. The talented actor essayed many roles with aplomb and was popular for his romantic films. In his passing away, the nation lost a beloved son and film industry lost a gem."
He added, "I convey my condolences to the bereaved family members, friends and legions of his fans across the country. May his soul rest in peace."
Remembering Rishi Kapoor as a wonderful actor, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi noted that it has been a terrible week for Indian cinema with the passing away of another legend.
The death of the veteran actor comes a day after versatile actor Irrfan Khan died in Mumbai.
In a tweet, Gandhi said, "This is a terrible week for Indian cinema, with the passing of another legend, actor Rishi Kapoor.
"A wonderful actor, with a huge fan following across generations, he will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family, friends and fans all over the world, at this time of grief," he said
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that he had endured his illness with dignity and grace.
"Deeply shocked & saddened at the demise of the iconic & versatile film actor #RishiKapoor. A National Film Award winner, he acted in more than 150 films. He endured his illness with dignity and grace. My condolences to his family, friends, fans & the entire film fraternity," Banerjee tweeted.
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted,"Deeply saddened by the sudden demise of actor Rishi Kapoor. He entertained several generations of Indians throughout his career. What a terrible loss. My condolences to the grieving family. May God bless his soul."
Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar expressed grief, saying the Indian film industry has lost a versatile and charismatic artist.
"Saddened to know about the sad demise of veteran actor Rishi Kapoor. Indian film industry has lost a versatile and charismatic actor. My sincere condolences to Kapoor family, Pawar tweeted.
Pawar's daughter and NCP Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule also expressed grief over the untimely demise of Chintu, as Kapoor was fondly called.
She said Kapoor was a highly talented and acclaimed actor and a very fine human being and friend.
"My Deepest Condolences to Neetu, Ranbir, Daboo, Rima, Chimpu and the rest of the Kapoor family. RIP Chintu, you will be missed," Sule said on the micro-blogging site.
Rishi Kapoor, a third generation actor of the famous Kapoor dynasty, was taken to the H N Reliance Hospital by his family on Wednesday.
His death comes a day after after his D-Day co-star Irrfan Khan passed away, also of cancer.
Three months ago, the disease claimed Kapoor's sister Ritu Nanda.
