Rishi Kapoor no more: Cricketers pay tributes to veteran actor

Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor passed away on Thursday (April 30) in Mumbai. Cricketers took to Twitter to pay their tributes to the veteran actor

Bengaluru: Veteran Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor breathed his last on Thursday (April 30). He was 67. This news comes a day after Bollywood lost Irrfan Khan on Wednesday due to colon infection.

Last night, Rishi was admitted to HN Reliance Hospital as he was unwell. He died at the hospital on Thursday morning, his brother Randhir Kapoor confirmed to the media.

“It’s true that he has been admitted to the hospital. He is in Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital. He was not keeping well and had some problem, so we admitted him early this morning,” Randhir had said on Wednesday evening.

In an official statement, Rishi's family said, "Our dear Rishi Kapoor passed away peacefully at 8:45am IST in hospital today after a two-year battle with leukemia. The doctors and medical staff at the hospital said he kept them entertained to the last. He remained jovial and determined to live to the fullest right through two years of treatment across two continents. Family, friends, food and films remained his focus and everyone who met him during this time was amazed at how he did not let his illness get the better of him."

In 2018, Rishi was diagnosed with cancer. He was in the US to receive treatment. He had returned home in September last year.

On social media, cricketers took to mourn the loss of the veteran actor. Former India batsman Virender Sehwag said, “Extremely disheartened to learn about the passing away of #RishiKapoor ji. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Om Shanti ! (sic).”

India captain Virat Kohli wrote, “This is unreal and unbelievable. Yesterday Irrfan Khan and today Rishi Kapoor ji. It's hard to accept this as a legend passes away today. My condolences to the family and may his soul rest in peace (Worried face, Broken heart emojis) (sic).”

Former India captain Anil Kumble said Rishi was his childhood hero. He wrote on his Twitter account, “#RishiKapoor childhood hero...gone..heartfelt condolences to his family and friends (sic).”

Former India batsman VVS Laxman said, “Extremely sad to hear about the demise of #RishiKapoor ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones (sic).”