3 hours agoAuthor: Virendra Mishra
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On the sixth death anniversary of Rishi Kapoor, his daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, while talking to Dainik Bhaskar, remembered his passion and responsibility. Riddhima said that Papa never succumbed to the circumstances. He continued working even during illness, because he did not want any producer to suffer loss. This was the mark of a responsible person.
They remembered his love for his family, honesty and passion for his work. He said that even today the entire family remembers him every day and tries to follow his teachings, hard work, humility and truthfulness in life.
Question: What is the first memory of Rishi Sir that comes to your mind?
answer: There are so many memories, it is difficult to sum them up in just one or two. His presence is the greatest memory in our lives. He had such a positive influence in our lives that even today we feel him every day. We talk about him every day and mention him with the family.
To be honest, we celebrate him every day. His personality was larger than life – passionate about his work and deep love for his family. These are the things that I remember the most even today.
Question: How do you remember your father as a person?
answer: He was a very truthful person. He was pure at heart. Whatever was in his heart, he would express it without any hesitation. Didn’t move things around. He was a bit blunt, but that was part of his honesty. His truthfulness and clean heart were his biggest identity.
Question: What are the most special memories of childhood?
answer: Many childhood memories are associated with him. We used to go out together on every holiday and vacation. Papa used to plan the shooting in such a way that holidays happen together and we can stay together. He kept us in mind in every work and gave priority to the children. Every weekend, especially on Saturday night or Sunday, he would take us out for lunch, spend the day together and watch movies.
He used to play rapid fire game with us. He used to ask general knowledge questions in the car or in traffic. Chocolate was given for the correct answer. These small moments are very special for us.
Question: What was the biggest change in the family after his departure?
answer: There was a huge void. It felt as if everything had stopped. At that time we were struggling with our emotions, but the focus was on taking care of mom. We used to try to keep them busy – sometimes by taking them out, sometimes by engaging them in conversations.
That time was very difficult, because everything happened suddenly. Even today we do not remember him in past tense. We say He “is” – He is still guiding us, loving us and being a blessing.
Question: Which thing about him inspires you the most even today?
answer: He always said that there is no shortcut to success. If you want to achieve something in life, you will have to work hard. Be it any field – acting, design, fashion – hard work is necessary everywhere. Also, he taught that the higher you go, the more you should remain grounded and humble.
Question: What did you learn from his experience in the film industry?
answer:His passion for work is the biggest lesson. He continued working despite being ill. He was aware of the disease, but did not give up. If he had signed a film, he would try his best to complete it, because he felt that no producer should suffer loss because of him.
I remember, despite being unwell, he was shooting in the cold in Delhi. He truly loved his work and wanted to continue acting till his last breath.
Question: Was there a moment when you felt him not like a father but like a friend?
answer: Yes, absolutely. After marriage we became closer. He used to call and FaceTime me every day. If I did not pick up the phone, he would call two-three times and ask. He also had a special relationship with my daughter Samara. He used to talk to her on video calls and call her by different names – like “Telu Ram”, “Bandari”. Family was everything for him.
Question: Any such story which will always be remembered?
answer: When I went to the sets of the film Kapoor & Sons, I saw his working style closely for the first time. He used to sit alone for some time before the shot and get into his character. Then they would get ready and give the shot. That day I closely felt his dedication and professionalism.
Question: When did you realize that Papa is such a big star?
answer: In school, when teachers and friends talked about him. When we used to go out and people asked for his autograph, then we realized that he is a big star. Then we were explained that people like them because they work in films and feel connected to them.
Question: Do you still remember any of his advice or lessons?
answer: Hard work, honesty and humility. He used to say that whatever work you do, do it with full honesty and the more success you get, the more humble you should be.
Question: What is his greatest legacy for you?
answer: His love and dedication towards his family. To the world he was a great actor, but to me he will always be a great father and a true family man.
Question: If you had to say something to dad today, what would you say?
answer: We remember you every day, talk about you. Not a day goes by when you are not mentioned. We feel that you are still with us today.
