When we think of Bollywood’s Kapoor family, it brings to mind a legacy of legendary actors who have shaped and upheld the rich heritage of Indian cinema over generations. Amid the likes of Raj, Shammi, Shashi, Randhir and Rishi Kapoor, one member of the family often takes a back seat due to his limited presence in front of the camera. We’re talking about Rajiv Kapoor, the youngest son of Raj Kapoor, whose acting career took a detour despite his promising beginnings. Amid Raj Kapoor’s 100th birth anniversary celebrations, let us dive into the life of his lesser-known son, who could not make a mark like his siblings but was immensely loved by those around him.
Rajiv Kapoor started his acting journey with potential but failed to make his mark
Rajiv Kapoor might not be a name that often comes up in Bollywood conversations, but his life was a tapestry of ambition, love, and unfulfilled potential. Raj Kapoor’s youngest son, ‘Chimpoo’, as his loved ones called him, grew up surrounded by the legacy of his legendary father and superstar siblings, Rishi and Randhir Kapoor.
Let us refresh your memory – remember the iconic 90s film, Ram Teri Ganga Maili? Well, for those who are still at a loss, Rajiv Kapoor was the one who starred in the film as ‘Narendra Sahay’, alongside Mandakini as ‘Ganga Singh’. Clearly, the actor had quite a promising start in the industry.
Rajiv Kapoor made his Bollywood debut opposite Divya Rana in 1983 with the film, Ek Jaan Hain Hum, and achieved box office gold with Ram Teri Ganga Maili, directed by his father, Raj Kapoor. But the highs of Bollywood didn’t last long. After the film’s massive success, Rajiv starred in multiple films, including Lover Boy, Preeti, Zalzala, Aasman, and Hum To Chale Pardes. Unfortunately, none of the films could make a mark in the industry. After his failed attempt at acting in Zimmedaar, Rajiv eventually shifted gears to take up direction. His filmmaking journey began with Prem Granth, a visually ambitious project that also sadly failed to impress the box office. He tried one last time by directing his elder brother, Rishi Kapoor, in the film, Aa Ab Laut Chalen.
Rajiv Kapoor’s life beyond the spotlight was one of love and failed relationships
In his personal life, Rajiv Kapoor could not enjoy marital bliss for long. He was briefly married to Aarti Sabharwal, but their union ended in divorce. Despite his personal setbacks, Rajiv has remained a beloved member of the Kapoor family, described by everyone as a man full of love. His close friend, Nitin Mukesh, once shared with Zoom:
“He (Rajiv) was an absolute favourite of all. He was a charmer, he was kind, generous, warm, caring and filled with love. All our conversations were about love, love, love, and more love… Chimpoo and I also bonded really well.”
Talking about Rajiv’s love life, Nitin Mukesh recalled that after his failed marriage, he was in a relationship with former air hostess, Sunita, but they never married. In his interview with Zoom, Nitin recalled:
“He (Rajiv) would come visiting with his live-in partner Sunita whom he never married, for reasons best known to Chimpoo. But she was a lovely lady, a former air hostess, I think. She would keep telling me how handsome my son Neil was. A charming woman. Chimpoo was not very lucky in love.”
Rajiv Kapoor passed away at only 58 years old
Rajiv Kapoor passed away on February 9, 2021, at the age of 58 due to a massive heart attack while at his brother, Randhir Kapoor’s residence. Despite being immediately rushed to the hospital, he was declared dead upon arrival. His sudden demise was a shock to the Kapoor family and the film industry. A year after his passing, his final film, Toolsidas Junior, was released, marking his posthumous return to the big screen.
After Rishi Kapoor’s death in April 2020, Rajiv’s passing hit the Kapoor family hard, as they had recently lost Raj and Rajiv’s sister, Ritu Nanda, in January 2021. Rishi Kapoor’s daughter, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, recalled the losses in an interview with Anushka Arora, revealing how the deaths brought the family closer. Riddhima was quoted as saying:
“We’ve got closer since then. A little bit. We just look out for each other, so it’s just brought the family very, very close because a lot of people, a lot of family members have passed on. I am not talking about my immediate family, I am talking about even the extended family.”
In an industry where success often overshadows everything else, Rajiv Kapoor’s story reminds us of the human stories of resilience, loss, and love behind the glamour.
Also Read: Raj Kapoor: India’s Most Successful Star Kid, Was Lauded At Cannes And Had Two Blockbusters At 25
Leave a Comment