Rishi Kapoor Wanted More: Rakesh Roshan On His Friend’s Career Regrets

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MUMBAI (ANI) – Filmmaker and actor Rakesh Roshan recently reflected on his decades-long friendship with the late Rishi Kapoor, recalling the veteran actor’s career highs and moments of frustration.

Their bond began on the sets of Khel Khel Mein (1975), a musical thriller that also starred Kapoor’s wife, Neetu Kapoor. Over the years, the two collaborated on films like Jhoota Kahin Ka and Aap Ke Deewane, forging a close personal and professional relationship.

Speaking about Kapoor’s love for acting, Roshan noted that while the veteran actor embraced diverse roles later in his career, there was a time when he felt stuck.

“He did amazing work before he left us. His last films were fantastic, and he was so happy trying different roles. You wouldn’t believe it—he would call me and say, ‘I signed this new film where I play an 80-year-old man. I have to spend 4-5 hours in makeup every day!’” Roshan shared.

However, Kapoor also experienced moments of dissatisfaction. Roshan recalled him lamenting, “Yaar, wahi same cheez, wahi role kar raha hoon” (I keep doing the same kind of roles), expressing frustration over the repetitive nature of his career.

Kapoor’s final film, Sharmaji Namkeen (2022), was released posthumously. Since he couldn’t complete filming, Paresh Rawal stepped in to finish his portions. Kapoor passed away on April 30, 2020, at the age of 67 after battling leukemia.