New Delhi: Rishi Kapoor doesn't need any introduction. On his Twitter bio he refers himself as ‘Son of a famous Father-Father of a famous Son. I am the hyphen in between them'.
Perhaps, Chintu Kapoor doesn't know that his hyphen is a very prominent line in the world of Bollywood. An offspring of India's oldest filmy family, Rishi is a perfect blend of angelic looks and wit.
The legend who was awarded the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008 is turning 63 today. He might have started on a path of doing villainous roles and strong characters, but looking at his face one can't forget his chocolate boy looks and good boy charm.
Touted as Bollywood's first chocolate boy, Rishi Kapoor has acted in many romantic movies, out of which 12 are with his wife Neetu Kapoor. His cute smile, his perfect stature and his impeccable dialogue delivery, made women weak in their knees. Apparently, he has the same affect now.
On his birthday today, we bring 5 roles of him which embodied the words romance and love:
1. Raj in Bobby (1973)
During an interview about ‘Bobby', Rishi exclaimed “There was a misconception that the film was made to launch me as an actor. The film was actually made to pay the debts of Mera Naam Joker. Dad wanted to make a teenage love story and he did not have money to cast Rajesh Khanna in the film.”
His character Raj Nath made ladies swoon over him. The teenage love story was set against the backdrop of rich vs poor and was a trendsetter in the truest meaning of the word. Rishi Kapoor won the Filmfare award for best actor and his chemistry with actress Dimple Kapadia set the screen on fire.
Till today, one cannot just stop looking at his face which had eyes that cast a spell.
2. Vicky in Kabhie Kabhie (1976)
For those who thought, this Yash Chopra movie was about the uncompleted love story of Amitabh Bachchan and Rakhee, you are wrong. The movie revolve around the love of Vikram (Rishi Kapoor) and Pinky (Neetu Singh).
Vikram, who is smitten by Pinky, was the perfect boyfriend any girl would wish for. He did not leave her when she needed him the most and went through a lot of ordeal just to be with her.
Clad in sweaters, Rishi was as pleasing to the eyes as the picturesque locations where the movie was filmed.
3. Akbar in Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
The ‘Akbar' of the trio, Rishi Kapoor turned to be one of the biggest reasons this movie was a super duper hit. If Vinod Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan were the strong brooding actors, Rishi lend just the amount of delicacy the movie required. He was again seen romancing his real life wife, Neetu Singh in this one.
Akbar was this stubborn young man who understood that his love's father will make it difficult for them to be together. He sorted to ways like singing "Taiyabali Pyar Ka Dushman" in front of his home and openly confessing his feelings in “Parda Hai Parda.
If there was one hero that pointed out, ladka ladki raazi to kya karega qazi, it was Rishi Kapoor as Akbar.
4. Dev in Prem Rog (1982)
In a poll by magazine Cosmopolitan, ‘Prem Rog' featured as one of their top ten 'Most Romantic Films Ever'. Treated as one of the best classics directed by the showman Raj Kapoor himself, ‘Prem Rog' can drive you to tears and make you smile at the same time.
The soul of the movie lay with Chintu Kapoor, obviously. As Dev, the lover who sacrificed his love for a better life for (Rama), Rishi struck the right chords with the viewers. On learning that his forfeit did not ensure a better life for Rama, he takes steps to change her life from worse to good.
He depicted all shades of love, from being unable to express his love in the song, "Bhanware Ne Khilaya Phool” to the emotion of being separated from her in "Meri Qismat Men Tu Nahin Shayad". His phenomenal acting earned him the Filmfare award for best actor.
5. Chaand in Heena (1991)
Directed by Rishi Kapoor's brother actor Randhir Kapoor, this movie was a critical and commercial success. A love story between an Indian boy who accidentally reaches Pakistan and loses his memory was considered the most epic love story of all times.
As Chaand, Rishi Kapoor gives a convincing performance. He tells you that you need not be in your complete senses to experience affection towards someone. Even though, he gets entwined between cross border enmity his love doesn't fade away.
Heena was India's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film that year and Chaand became the romantic hero who taught you the true meaning of love.
