In a candid and heartwarming appearance on the popular talk show “Koffee With Karan,” veteran actress Neetu Kapoor opened up about her late husband Rishi Kapoor, giving fans a rare glimpse into the dynamics of their relationship. Alongside fellow actress Zeenat Aman, Neetu Kapoor took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the golden years of Bollywood and her life with one of India’s most iconic actors.
Neetu Kapoor, a prominent face in Indian cinema during the ’70s and ’80s, discussed the profound impact Rishi Kapoor had on her life, both personally and professionally. She revealed that she had acted in nearly 70-80 films before deciding to give up her flourishing career to marry Rishi Kapoor at the tender age of 21. This decision, she said, was influenced by her devotion to her marriage and family.
Even though the episode brimmed with nostalgia and light-hearted banter, it was Neetu’s reflections on the challenging period when Rishi Kapoor was battling cancer that struck an emotional chord. Karan Johar, the host, broached the topic by asking Neetu about the last months she spent with her husband in New York, where he was undergoing treatment for his illness.
“So Karan, for me, I don’t like to remember the sad part. I like to remember the good part of our relationship and our time in New York. So New York was really sad, but we had the best year, I had the best year of my life,” Neetu recounted, her eyes welling up with emotion. She emphasized that despite the harsh realities of Rishi’s illness, they managed to create some beautiful memories together during that time.
Neetu also recalled a significant shift in Rishi Kapoor’s behavior towards her and their children, Ranbir and Riddhima, during his treatment period in America. Known for his somewhat stern and authoritative demeanor, Neetu explained that Rishi had always struggled to express love openly. “Because you know Chintu Ji (Rishi Kapoor) is a very loving person. He had a lot of love in him. But there was something he never really showed – his love. He always kept his distance and bullied people, not showing his love,” she shared. This reserved nature, she added, created a barrier in his relationship with their children.
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However, the adversity they faced in America brought about a transformation in Rishi. “But that year, he opened up. He showed love, went towards me, also he was so lovely. We had the best time,” Neetu said with a bittersweet smile. This remarkable change in Rishi’s behavior allowed them to bond more closely as a family, creating precious memories that Neetu holds dear.
During the show, Neetu also gave an insight into her early years with Rishi Kapoor, describing him as a very strict boyfriend. Reflecting on the vibrant film parties of the ’70s and ’80s, she humorously commented, “But I had this Rishi Kapoor as my boyfriend. So I never partied-partied because he was always like ‘Don’t do this, Don’t do that. Come home.’ I’ve never seen the wild side of partying in those days. I had a very strict mother and a very strict boyfriend.”
This anecdote painted a vivid picture of her life as a young actress balancing her career and her relationship with Rishi. Despite his strictness, it was evident that the love and respect they had for each other formed the bedrock of their enduring marriage.
The episode of “Koffee With Karan” featuring Neetu Kapoor and Zeenat Aman was not just a sentimental journey into the past but also a testament to the timeless bond that Neetu and Rishi Kapoor shared. It highlighted the strength of their relationship, especially during the most trying times, and offered a closer look at the man behind the illustrious career and legendary status.
Neetu Kapoor’s revelations provided fans with an intimate glimpse into her life with Rishi Kapoor, showcasing the couple’s resilience, love, and the indelible mark Rishi left on his family. This episode served as a touching tribute to Rishi Kapoor’s legacy and the enduring spirit of Neetu Kapoor, a woman who continues to inspire with her grace and strength.
