Actor Rajiv Kapoor leaves for heavenly abode

Actor -filmmaker Rajiv Kapoor breathed his last today. He was 58. The youngest brother among Rishi and Randhir, Rajiv is said to have suffered a massive heart attack at his residence in Chembur following which he was rushed to Inlaks Hospital. He was declared dead at the hospital. His sister-in-law Neetu Singh Kapoor poured the sad news.

Born on August 25, Rajiv aka Chimpoo made his debut in Bollywood with the 1983 film Ek Jaan Hain Hum, came to fame and glory with 1985 blockbuster Ram Teri Ganga Maili. He was last seen in Zimmedaar. He also acted in several other films with the most notable being Aasmaan (1984), Lover Boy (1985), Zabardast (1985) and Hum To Chale Pardes (1988). He made his last film appearance in Zimmedaaar in 1990 after which he turned to producing and directing.

He produced Henna in 1991, directed by his brother Randhir, and in 1996 he made his directorial debut with the commercially unsuccessful Prem Granth, which starred his brother Rishi and Madhuri Dixit. In 1999 he produced Aa Ab Laut Chalen which was directed by his brother Rishi.

He was set to make a Bollywood comeback after nearly three decades with Ashutosh Gowariker and Bhushan Kumar's joint production, a sports drama titled Toolsidas Junior, co-starring Sanjay Dutt.

After his death news flashed, various celebrities poured in their condolences

Veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar said “I just got to know about the passing away of the talented actor Rajiv Kapoor, the youngest son of Raj Kapoor Sahab. I’m deeply saddened by the news. May his soul rest in peace,” the legendary singer tweeted.

Veteran actor Manoj Kumar offered his “deepest and most sincere condolences” to the Kapoor family. “Very sad news for us. #Rajivkapoor Ji passes away due to heart attack,” he said.

Madhuri Dixit Nene, who worked with Rajiv Kapoor in his directorial debut “Prem Granth”, said, “I had the opportunity of working with #Rajiv Kapoor in the film Prem Granth. It was a difficult subject which he handled with great maturity though it was his first film. Remembering the wonderful moments we shared. My heartfelt condolences to the Kapoor family. RIP,” she wrote.

Akshay Kumar said he was “saddened” to learn about the untimely demise of Rajiv Kapoor.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who also starred in “Prem Granth”, described Rajiv Kapoor as a lively person. “Sad to hear of the demise of #RajivKapoor.

MP and actor Sunny Deol said he was “shocked” to hear about Rajiv Kapoor’s passing.