A cricket fanatic, legendary Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor had celebrated his last birthday (67th) in New York with Sunil Gavaskar. Also, he had interacted with Sachin Tendulkar. Rishi Kapoor passed away on Thursday (April 30) in Mumbai
Bengaluru: Legendary Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor passed away in Mumbai today (April 30) at the age of 67. The veteran star was battling cancer for two years and was in the US in 2019 for treatment. At the time, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar visited Rishi on his birthday (September 4) in New York City.
Also read: Grew up watching Rishi Kapoor's movies, says Sachin Tendulkar
On Thursday, Rishi breathed his last at a Mumbai hospital. In an official statement, the actor’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.”
Also read: Virat Kohli's tribute to Rishi Kapoor
A self-confessed cricket fanatic, Rishi was following India’s cricket matches. He had praised the Virat Kohli-led team when they were winning at the ICC World Cup 2019. Also, he had batted for women cricketers to be included in IPL players’ auction.
Rishi’s 67th birthday celebrations in the US last year, unfortunately, turned out to be his last birthday. On September 4, 2019, batting legend Gavaskar visited Rishi’s home in New York and the actor had shared a picture on his Twitter account.
“Thank you #SunilGavaskar for wishing me on my birthday. You on your way to San Francisco me headed home to Mumbai (sic),” Rishi had written with a picture of himself and his actress wife Neetu Kapoor along with Gavaskar.
Also last year, another batting legend Sachin Tendulkar had wished Rishi on his birthday. To this, the Mulk actor had replied, “Wow. Thank you Sachin Tendulkar. Interact with two of the greatest cricketers same day! Had Sunil come over to meet me. Wonderful for a cricket fanatic. Love you! (sic)”.
Happy Balloons and flowers! Thank you people! pic.twitter.com/YFWaveDTXf
— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap)Wow. Thank you Sachin Tendulkar. Interact with two of the greatest cricketers same day! Had Sunil come over to meet me. Wonderful for a cricket fanatic. Love you! https://t.co/lpgfJECBgG
— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap)Today, Tendulkar said he grew up watching Rishi's movies. “Very very sad to hear about the passing away of Rishi ji. I grew up watching his movies and he was always very gracious when we met over the years. May his soul Rest in Peace. My heartfelt condolences to Neetu ji, Ranbir and the whole Kapoor family. (Folded hands emoji) (sic),” Tendulkar wrote on his Twitter page.
Thank you for wishing me on my birthday. You on your way to San Francisco me headed home to Mumbai pic.twitter.com/8tMjbziE9J
— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap)Missed meeting my friend Sunil Gavaskar. My loss. Time management. Wish you a successful tour of the Carribean and thank you for your love and concern.
— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap)With the winner of the 1983 Cricket World Cup “Hero”, Kapil Dev here in New https://t.co/ZykgM6uFEZ still have that killer instinct and charm in you. Thank you for the invite to the semi finals! pic.twitter.com/XHe2YChpIH
— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap)Why is Rishabh Pant not in the squad for the World Cup? You there?
— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap)Great guys Kris Srikanth and Dean Jones pic.twitter.com/H1h08fAGcB
— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap)Most stylish cricket Icon,Mohammed Azharuddin,dear friend! Yesterday at the Hotel Taj Lands End. Keep your collar up Azhar,as always! pic.twitter.com/wJQA4Ph8J8
— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap)IPL.Just a thought! Why not female Cricketers in the Auction. No gender biases,have a mix of players from cricketing countries in the playing eleven! Or is it that men play a tougher game?
— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap)