Stars Die but Art Lives on: A Tribute to Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor

Noveena pays tribute to two charismatic cine artistes, Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor, who left us on two consecutive days, last week. An exclusive for Different Truths.

It is said stars in flesh and blood gives us everlasting light. In the grip of the pandemic, our country lost two charismatic actors. On April 29, the magnetic Irrfan Khan, 53,  was put to rest, buried in the depths of the soil, and the very next day, April 30, the powerhouse of silver screen Rishi Kapoor, 67, turned into ashes. Within 24 hours, cine lovers lost two powerful artistes. Art never dies. Irrfan and Rishi left their immortal legacy of work amongst cine lovers. Fans were waiting for their new films when they left for their heavenly abodes.

Within 24 hours, cine lovers lost two powerful artistes. Art never dies. Irrfan and Rishi left their immortal legacy of work amongst cine lovers. Fans were waiting for their new films when they left for their heavenly abodes.

Once, the deep-eyed Irrfan said, “I suppose in the end, the whole life becomes an act of letting go, but it always hurts the most if not taking a moment to say goodbye.” This is perhaps a painful truth. A small-town boy from Tonk, Rajasthan, he decided to get admission in NSD (National School of Drama) New Delhi, with no prior experiences, armed with false documents. He was so convinced about his cultivated passion that he got selected in NSD. He always wanted to be a part of cinema but the journey to reach the silver screen was long and arduous. It took him to fifteen long years to get recognition, meanwhile, he was acting in teleserial and did small side roles in films. He acted in several drams and teleserial such as Laal Ghaas per Neele Ghode, Kahkashan, Chanakya, Bharat Ek Khoj, Chandrakanta, among others.

In 1988 famous Indian-American film director Meera Nair cast Irrfan for a handsome role but unfortunately, it couldn’t happen and he ended up with a small role of letter writer in the film, Salaam Bombay but within that little span of screen time, he nailed it. He was majorly noticed in Tigmanshu Dhuliya’s film Haasil, where he played a student leader in a negative shade. There was no looking back after that. Vishal Bharadwaj’s Maqbool (2007), an adaptation of Macbeth, gave him a stamp of cult actor, who could do justice to any role. His notable films are Namesake (2006), Life in a Metro (2007), Paan Singh Tomar (2011). He received the coveted National Award for Best Actor for the film, Paan Singh Tomar. Who will forget his dialogue, “Bihad mein bagi hote hein, dakait milte hain parliament main.” After that, he did many extraordinary films such as Lunch Box (2013), Piku (2015), Talvar (2015). The aura of Irrfan was not limited to Indian audiences only, he was a man who represented India in international cinema. Slumdog Millionaire (2008), The Amazing Spiderman (2012), Life of Pi (2012), Jurassic World (2015), Inferno (2016) and the American series, Treatment. Last he was seen in two big blockbusters films, Hindi Medium (2017) and recently, English Medium (2020).

Irrfan, received many prestigious awards, from National award to many Filmfare awards. He was even honoured with India’s civilian award Padma Shree. The actor, unfortunately, was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine tumour, in the year 2018 and after two years of battle, he breathed his last.

Irrfan, received many prestigious awards, from National award to many Filmfare awards. He was even honoured with India’s civilian award Padma Shree. The actor, unfortunately, was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine tumour, in the year 2018 and after two years of battle, he breathed his last. He is survived by his supportive wife, Sutapa Sikdar, whom he met during his NSD days and his two sons, Babil and Ayaan. Irrfan’s body of work will be stored as a brilliant case study for the younger generations and aspiring actors. He will be remembered for his patience, skill and minimalistic acting for maximum impact.

A man with a grandeur and family legacy of acting in his DNA, Rishi Kapoor is the grandson of Prithvi Raj Kapoor, the worthy son of the Showman of Indian Cinema, Raj Kapoor, and nephew of veteran actors, Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor. He was a worthy name who ruled the film industry for more than four decades. He was the first chocolate hero. Rishi is known for his romances. Once he said, “When my parents were discussing that I might be considered to play Raj Kapoor’s younger version in Mera Naam Joker, I immediately rushed to my room and started practising my autograph.” And the little boy Rishi, made it possible when he won National Award for Best Child Artist in this film. At the age of 21, he became the heartthrob of the nation because of his blockbuster film, Bobby (1973).

A man with a grandeur and family legacy of acting in his DNA, Rishi Kapoor is the grandson of Prithvi Raj Kapoor, the worthy son of the Showman of Indian Cinema, Raj Kapoor, and nephew of veteran actors, Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor. He was a worthy name who ruled the film industry for more than four decades. He was the first chocolate hero.

After the success of Bobby, Rishi ruled as a romantic hero for the next 25 years. His notable popular films were Khel Khel Mein (1975), Kabhi Kabhi (1976), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Karz (1980), Chandni (1989), Prem Rog, Prem Granth, Dewaana, Bol Radha Bol (1992), and many more.

Rishi confessed, “Past 25 years, I was making fool of the audiences, now in my second innings, I am actually getting good roles and in the true sense, I am acting and serving my audiences.” His fabulous acting in the films Love Aaj Kal (2009), Fanna (2007), D-day (2013), Namastey London (2007), Do Dooni Chaar (2011) showcased his raw mature skills, different from a romantic hero. A film like Agneepath was unforgettable because of Rishi’s path-breaking acting as Rauf Lala, Nana in Kapoor & Sons, 102 Not Out (2017) and as Murad Ali Muhammad, in Mulk (2018). He was a charming man who ruled from silver screen to OTT platforms such as Netflix’s film, Rajma Chawal and his last project, The Body (2019).

Unfortunately, Rishi was diagnosed with Leukemia and he was under treatment in New York for more than a year. After his successful treatment, he came back to India. Who knew that after a few months suddenly the most jovial, vibrant and outspoken Rishi Kapoor would bid adieu to this world. He is survived by his wife Neetu Kapoor, son Ranbir and daughter Ridhimma.

The Indian film industry lost two of its veterans. The loss is irreparable. These two great actors worked together in a 2013-film, D- Day. The famous adage comes to mind that death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it.

The Indian film industry lost two of its veterans. The loss is irreparable. These two great actors worked together in a 2013-film, D- Day. The famous adage comes to mind that death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it.

Irrfan quoted a few lines, which are perhaps befitting for both them to say that they are glittering diamonds and shall live forever within their fans’ hearts. “Uss din apni berahmi pe sabse zyada waqt roya tha, mohabbat ke asmaan mein, apne do sitaro ko jo khoya tha, kehte hai toote hue sitaro ko dekhlo to, tamanaye puri ho jati hai, ye do sitaare khud apni tammana ke liye toote the, shayad yahi samjhane aye the duniya me, har dharam mohabbat sikhata hai, par mohabbat ka koi dharma nahi hota, wo khud apne aap me ek dharam hai.”

Photos from the Internet