THE Indian cinema got poorer when it lost its two brilliant actors in just two days. Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor bowed out of their life-stage on April 29 and 30 respectively.

Like many other aspirant actors, Irrfan Khan struggled hard during his early days to get a foothold in Indian cinema. To his credit, he emerged from adversity more determined and resolute.

Gifted with talent, Irrfan broke into mainstream cinema when his film Life in a Metro was released in 2007. Thereafter, his good fortune continued with films like Lunch Box, Life of Pi, Paan Singh Tomar and Piku in which he acquitted himself really well.

Besides being acknowledged at home, he went on to make his mark in British and Hollywood movies. For his immense talent, he remained in the news for all the right reasons. This is no overstatement but actors like Irrfan Khan are born but seldom.

On the other hand, some individuals are instantly mesmeric. Rishi Kapoor was one such person. Though he acted for the first time as an adolescent actor in 1970 in Mera Naam Joker, Rishi made a dream in Bobby in 1973. The film heralded the arrival of teenage romance in Indian cinema and Rishi was perfectly cut out as a teenage lover. He certainly charmed his fans and became a heartthrob overnight.

The Indian cinema is dominated by the Kapoors. From their great grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor to Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Rajiv Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor, all of whom achieved greatness.

The predominant feature of Rishi Kapoor’s acting was romance and he went on to demonstrate this quality in films like Bobby, Laila Majnoo, Khel Khel Mein, Hum Kisise Kum Nahi, Sargam, Do Premee and so forth. Like his father and uncles, Rishi Kapoor too had a terrific sense of music which he never failed to prove while picturising songs for his films.

Their fans will remember them a very long time.

Rafat Mahmood Ansari

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2020