Friday, 4 September 2026

Sridevi and Rishi Kapoor: Remembering Chintuji on his birth anniversary


 


One of the most successful, enduring careers in Bollywood, Rishi Kapoor was one of a kind - and a severely underappreciated actor of consequence and importance. The ease in front of the camera, dialogue delivery, keeping up with the times, his investment in his roles, his uncensored opinions, his way with words, confidence, temperament... everything was larger than life and meant for the big screen. 

His brutal honestly got in his way on occasion - well, mostly on social media, but he'll forever be remembered for his performances, hits, and the legacy of the Kapoor name that lasts till date.

Remembering him on his birth anniversary today. He fought cancer for long, without declaring it in the public, but succumbed to it at age 67. Pity. He would have turned a hearty 74 today but alas... fate had something else in store for him. 

He acted with Sridevi in only six films - but what films! Perhaps most memorable, Chandni - in 1989. As Sridevi herself stated, had it not been for Rishi Kapoor providing the perfect foil, the film couldn't have worked. Sridevi had the title role, was in nearly every frame, but Rishi Kapoor's effortless acting was a masterclass, and he held his own. He should have won Best Actor for this film too. But... Filmfare works in mysterious ways... 


Sridevi with Rishi Kapoor in Chandni (1989)


Remembering Rishi Kapoor today on his birth anniversary. Born on 4 Sep 1952, Rishi Kapoor's underrated performance in Chandni needs to be revisited. He was fantastic; matched Sridevi step by step. Be it in the comedy, drama, the songs and dances... a natural foil to the exuberant Sridevi. 

He was the most fun, outspoken man of his time. Always gave great interviews. 



Sridevi in Devatha:

Released on 4 September 1982, Telugu film Devatha (Goddess) was directed by K. Raghavendra Rao, starring Sobhan Babu, Sridevi, Jaya Prada and Mohan Babu. The film was seen across the Hindi belt with Jeetendra as Tohfa, a frame-by-frame remake that ended up being the biggest hit of 1984!  

The film was produced by D. Rama Naidu and was key in establishing the formulaic business model of quick Madras movie remakes. 

The story of two sisters and their love triangle with a man, of sacrifice and loyalty, with chart topping numbers is easy viewing. K. Raghavendra Rao remade the film in Hindi as Tohfa (1984), with both Sridevi and Jaya Prada reprising their roles. It was also remade in Tamil as Deiva Piravi (1985) with a different cast. .

Sridevi was just 19 when she shot the film - and so staggeringly beautiful. 

 

Nagina: The cast and crew celebrate Rishi Kapoor's birthday

A major throwback, Rishi Kapoor celebrating his 34th birthday on the sets of the film Nagina! The film's producer and director feeds him a slice of cake  note the snake shaped cake!! Sridevi and Sushma Seth look on. 



 
Above: A pic from the set of Nagina, legendary character actor and famed movie villain Amrish Puri, the film's director Harmesh Malhotra with Sridevi and Rishi Kapoor looking on. The fake ai manipulated colour pic on the right is trending. In fact the net is now flooded with fake ai corrupted images and somehow - our site is being milked for info and imagery.... 



Sridevi and Anil Kapoor's publicity stills for Heer Ranjha

Heer Ranjha (1992): September 4, 1992
This is the adaptation starring Sridevi and Anil Kapoor, directed by Harmesh Malhotra. 

Heer Raanjha (1970): June 19, 1970
The critically acclaimed, classic musical starring Raaj Kumar and Priya Rajvansh, directed by Chetan Anand. (Famous for having its entire dialogue written in verse).

Heer Ranjha (1932): 1932
The historic first Punjabi sound film (talkie) ever made, directed by A.R. Kardar.

Heer Ranjha (2009): November 13, 2009 
A Punjabi-language adaptation starring Harbhajan Mann and Neeru Bajwa. 

Fun fact: Renowned filmmakers Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali are currently working on a brand-new modern adaptation of Heer Ranjha following their success with the revival of Laila Majnu!!



Sridevi's portrait for Heer Ranjha.