Rishi Kapoor’s family gather for low-key lockdown funeral as Bollywood legend, 67, is cremated after cancer battle
RISHI Kapoor’s devastated family have gathered in Mumbai for his last rites after the Bollywood legend passed away yesterday.
Kapoor, who played the romantic lead in dozens of popular Indian films over 20 years, died aged 67 after battling cancer.
His last rites were held at the Chandanwadi crematorium in Mumbai this afternoon, NDTV reports.
And the handful of family and close friends present at the ceremony are said to have needed to apply for special permission to attend, due to the coronavirus lockdown.
Rishi’s wife Neetu Singh was seen making her way into the building wearing a face mask and being supported by loved ones.
His niece Kareena Kapoor and her husband Saif Ali Khan were also among the group.
Other mourners included the actor’s son Ranbir Kapoor, siblings Rima Jain and Randhir Kapoor, nephews Armaan and Aadar Jain, and Alia Bhatt who is reported to be dating Ranbir.
BOLLYWOOD TRAGEDY
The tragic Bollywood star was part of the Kapoor acting dynasty which has dominated Bollywood.
Kapoor was rushed to hospital yesterday morning after suffering breathing difficulties and sadly passed away in Mumbai, India.
His death comes one day after fellow Bollywood star Khan also died in Mumbai.
Kapoor's career took off when he played his first lead role in the 1973 teenage love story, Bobby.
He was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and returned to India last year after undergoing treatment in New York.
Tributes have been pouring in for the star, with one fellow actor saying he is “destroyed” after hearing the devastating news.
This is a terrible week for Indian cinema, with the passing of another legend, actor Rishi Kapoor.
Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi
Amitabh Bachchan, who worked in hit films with him, tweeted: "He's GONE! Rishi Kapoor… gone… just passed away… I am destroyed!"
Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi added: "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."
TWO STARS DEAD
Fellow star Khan, who starred in Slumdog Millionaire and Jurassic World, died in hospital on Monday.
The actor had been battling cancer for a number of years but was said to be recovering well after extensive treatment.
He was suddenly rushed to hospital yesterday with a colon infection, passing away shortly afterwards, according to reports.
Khan revealed his cancer diagnosis in a 2018 Twitter post, saying he had an endocrine tumour.
He later underwent treatment in a London hospital.
Khan is survived by his wife Sutapa and sons – Babil and Ayan.