Rishi Kapoor, beloved star of films such as Bobby and Chandni, died in a hospital in Mumbai at the age of 67 on Thursday. He fought a long battle with cancer and had spent much of last year in New York being treated. A statement from the Kapoor family said that the actor "remained jovial" and "kept doctors entertained till the end." Rishi Kapoor, who was famously fond of life, "would like to be remembered with a smile and not with tears," The family have also appealed that lockdown rules be respected by Mr Kapoor's fans and well-wishers.

Rishi Kapoor's longtime friend and co-star Amitabh Bachchan tweeted on Thursday morning, "He's gone. Rishi Kapoor, gone, just passed away. I am destroyed." Mr Kapoor and Big B starred together in films such as Kabhi Kabhie, Amar Akbar Anthony, Naseeb and Coolie - they reunited for 102 Not Out in 2018, playing father and son.

Rishi Kapoor was taken to hospital twice in February this year - first in New Delhi, where he was attending a family event, and then in Mumbai. After being hospitalised in Delhi, Mr Kapoor tweeted, "Dear family, friends, foes and followers. I have been overwhelmed by all your concern about my health. Thank you. I have been filming in Delhi past 18 days and because of the pollution and my, I caught an infection whereby I had to be hospitalized." He also revealed that doctors had found a patch on his lungs that could have led to pneumonia.

Rishi Kapoor began his career with roles in his father Raj Kapoor's films. As a child, he made an appearance in the Shree 420 song Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua. He played a young version of his father in 1970 film Mera Naam Joker, winning the National Award for Best Child Artist for his performance. Three years later, he made his debut as a leading man in Bobby. Rishi Kapoor swiftly became the top romantic hero of his day with films such as Rafoo Chakkar and Karz. Mr Kapoor worked his entire life, delivering some of his best performances in later films like 2012's Agneepath and 2018's Mulk.

Rishi Kapoor is survived by his wife Neetu Kapoor, son Ranbir and daughter Riddhima. Last seen in the 2019 films The Body and Jhootha Kahin Ka, Mr Kapoor was meant to star in a Bollywood adaptation of The Intern with Deepika Padukone.