The first time I met Rishiji (Kapoor), it was at the music launch of Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988). Producer Nasir Hussain saab had invited him as a chief guest that night. He was a top star, while we (Aamir Khan and I) were newcomers. Aamir and I were formally introduced to him. The first film I did with him was Kalptaru’s Rishta Ho To Aisa (1992). Jeetuji (Jeetendra) was part of it too. We were shooting in Kamalistan Studio. I had a scene with him at a police station. I was extremely nervous. But he didn’t throw any star tantrum. He was quick to do his job and leave for the next shift.
Then on, we went on to do many films together including Bol Radha Bol (1992), Ghar Ki Izzat (1994) and Eena Meena Deeka (1994). Rishiji being my senior, my equation with him was different from what I shared with Shah Rukh Khan or Aamir Khan. It was full of respect.
People liked our jodi. The scripts were good too. He was so natural and made the scenes work. He was easy to work with and easy with his craft. He’d never get into big discussions about a scene or ask for 200 rehearsals. He’d be like ho jayega sab kuch. His acting was flawless. He was a secure actor. Unlike us younger actors, he never ran to the monitor to check himself. Often, I’d check my hair and make-up on the monitor. Then I’d quickly run back and do the shot again. Rishiji would say, “What’s this bad habit? It shows you’re insecure as an actor. The monitor is not for all of you. It’s for the director.”
As a co-star he was warm and friendly. He was full of life. His sharp wit and humour made him amusing company.
I grew extremely fond of him. He was genuinely himself. He never pretended to be anyone else. Yes, he was short-tempered and a little impatient. But it was always for small things. Like if a shot took too long, he’d be edgy. That trait remained till the end.
At times you felt he was scolding you. But that was actually his warmth. Because I’d grown to know him, I’d burst out laughing. He was fire without fury, a missile without destination. At heart, he was a caring person. We would often shoot in Ooty for our films. We used to stay at Savoy Hotel. During the time we were shooting Bol Radha Bol (1992), an elderly gentleman, Mr Bijlani, would visit the hotel for dinner. He’d come alone, eat quietly and leave. We too would be having dinner at the same time. Rishiji would go across and sit with him. He’d call out to me saying, “Come sit here. Let’s give him company.” Rishiji understood he was lonely. Often, we’d look back and talk about Mr Bijlani. Some time ago, we got to know that he’d passed away.
This last film that Rishiji and I shot for is Sharmaji Namkeen (directed by Hitesh Bhatia and produced by Excel Entertainment) this February. I couldn’t help observing him. He was so effortless in his expressions and dialogue. He seemed to be getting better and better. Once he mentioned, “I don’t know how people do ads. I tried once but I just couldn’t.” I was surprised and said, “You’re just expected to say a line about a product.” He said,
“I never merely say the lines. I always dwell on the emotion.” I was like OMG! I always considered the line first and then the emotion. But for him, emotions came first. That’s why he was such a natural.The last sequence we shot for Sharmaji Namkeen was shot in a dhaba in Delhi. It was a heart-to-heart kind of conversation. It was cute. It was funny. It had undertone of emotions. He spoke the lines so meaningfully. He looked in your eyes and said them. He didn’t merely deliver the dialogue. He felt the moment. It was not a technical thing for him. He flowed with the actual feeling. I thought I’d adopt that in my takes as well.
Then I heard that he was unwell. I sent him a lifestyle advice about including beneficial herbs in his daily diet. I urged him to practise yoga. He said, “Hey, but I can’t do your difficult yoga. I don’t like complicated poses.” Then in early March, I sent him a message asking about his health, He replied, “Yeah yeah come to the hospital.” We went there to meet him. Neetuji (Kapoor) was there too. The doctor came in for a check-up. That was the first time I sensed a bit of concern in Rishiji’s tone as he asked the doctor about a few things. I had no clue ki yeh sab hoga. It’s so difficult to talk about him in the past tense. For me he’ll always remain alive.
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