Rishi Kapoor once rejected his father Raj Kapoor’s film for an unusual reason! Deets inside

Long before Rishi Kapoor became one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved leading men, audiences were introduced to him as the innocent child in Mera Naam Joker. Directed by his father, the legendary Raj Kapoor, the film showcased Rishi’s natural screen presence and won widespread admiration. Raj Kapoor soon launched his youngest son as a hero in Bobby, a blockbuster that catapulted him to instant stardom. Guided by the vision of Bollywood’s ultimate showman, Chintu went on to carve a lasting legacy of his own.

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Yet, despite this celebrated father-son partnership, there came a moment when Rishi Kapoor chose to turn down a film narrated by Raj Kapoor himself.

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra Lifts the Curtain

Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, known for Rang De Basanti, recently revisited this lesser-known story while recalling his experience with the late actor during Delhi 6. The film featured an ensemble cast including Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor and Waheeda Rahman.

Mehra revealed that Rishi Kapoor instantly connected with the Delhi 6 script. However, the director hesitated, aware that most scenes were scheduled at night.

“I had heard he was averse to night shootings,” Mehra said, before recounting what followed.

The Film He Walked Away From

Rishi Kapoor responded with a telling anecdote.

“He told me an anecdote. He said there was this director called Raj Kapoor. He narrated a film to me and then told me that there were 2–3 days of night shooting required. I left that film for three nights, and here you are telling me that the entire film is set at night?” Mehra recalled.

The revelation highlighted a rare instance where Rishi’s personal boundaries overruled even a collaboration with his legendary father.

A First and a Turning Point

Mehra chose honesty over compromise. “There is no other way and I need your help here,” he told him. Rishi Kapoor agreed, marking a first in his long career. “He did cooperate, and that was the first time ever when he shot at nights,” Mehra said.

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An Emotional Connection to Cinema’s Conscience

Beyond logistics, it was the story’s soul that sealed the deal. “It reminded him of Jaagte Raho that Raj Kapoor made, and he added that there was a very strong social commentary, and he would love to do it,” said Mehra.

In the end, Delhi 6 became not just a professional milestone, but an emotional bridge between generations of meaningful cinema.