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It’s been three years since Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor left for his heavenly abode after battling cancer. Rishi aka Chintu, born on September 4, 1952, was the son of Indian cine industry’s ‘Showman’ Raj Kapoor and Krishna Raj Kapoor. Belonging to the family of the most respected family in the Indian cine industry, he made his debut early as an adolescent in Mera Naam Joker. Later, as an adult, he made his debut with Bobby.
Throughout his career spanning over 45 years, he worked in over 160 movies. For his stellar performance, he was honoured with several awards including four Filmfare Awards and a National Film Award. He has been a part of several remarkable movies including his last Sharmaji Namkeen.
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Movie buffs are well aware that Chintu has been a part of several multi-starrer movies and there are several with Millennium Star Amitabh Bachchan. While sometimes, they appeared on screen as friends, they also were seen as brothers. The remarkable pairing of the duo was last seen in 102 Not Out, in which they played the characters of father and son.
While Bachchan and Kapoor have elated the audience with their powerful jugalbandi, they also shared a cordial relationship as close friends. But, did you know, Chintu ‘envied’ BigB and didn’t want to work with him? Moreover, he also purchased the ‘Best Actor Award’ for Rs 30,000 fearing that BigB might clinch it for Zanjeer?
Remembering the legendary actor on his 3rd death anniversary, here we bring some lesser-known stories of Rishi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan.
Rishi Kapoor wanted Amitabh Bachchan to be replaced
It was in 1979 when actor-filmmaker Tinnu Anand was all set for his directorial debut with Duniya Meri Jeb Mein. However, he struggled a lot despite having Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor on board. As revealed by Tinnu, Rishi refused to work with Bachchan a day after giving a nod. As Rishi shared a close bond with Bittu (Tinnu’s brother and producer), he informed that he would do the movie only on one condition.
Earlier, during an interview with ETimes, Tinnu was quoted as saying, “Amitabh had a better role than him (Rishi) and as he played the character of a handicapped person, he would gain sympathy.”
Further, Tinnu went on to say that it was Rishi who gave the solution. Rishi suggested taking Shashi Kapoor, his uncle, replacing Amitabh. Duniya Meri Jeb Mein was released in 1979 starring Rishi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor and Neetu Singh Kapoor.
Chintu ‘feared’ the Angry Young Man and purchased the Best Actor Award
Rishi and Amitabh were competitors professionally, but, they worked together in several movies including Amar Akbar Anthony, Naseeb, Kabhie Kabhie, Coolie and Ajooba. However, after a gap of 27 years, they paired up for the last time in 102 Not Out.
Rishi Kapoor in Bobby & Amitabh Bachchan in ZanjeerRishi is known to be a man of spoken words. He also owned up to his mistakes. In one such interview, he admitted to purchasing the Best Actor Award at Rs 30000 fearing to lose it from Amitabh Bachchan. In 1973, both Rishi and Amitabh were nominated for the Best Actor category for a popular award show. While Rishi made his debut with Bobby, Amitabh was all set to make a breakthrough as Angry Young Man with Zanjeer.
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While everyone was convinced that Amitabh would clinch the best actor award, it was surprising for all as Rishi won the best actor award.
In his autobiography ‘Khullam Khulla’, Rishi revealed that he was 20-21 years old and suddenly became a huge star after the success of Bobby. “I was a real brat, I was flying in those days…Somebody came to me and said that ‘We can get this award…Would you like to have it?’ So, I said ‘Sure’.”
“Further, the person said, it would cost Rs 30000, which was a huge amount back then,” said Rishi.
However, Rishi regretted that he could have won the award without money or he did win it without the money. But, taking the bribe route was not correct.
During an interview with Rajdeep Sardesai, Rishi confessed that this started a cold war between him and Amitabh. Later, it ended in Yash Chopra’s Kabhi Kabhie.
