Rajiv was the youngest of legendary filmmaker-actor Raj Kapoor’s five children.
Rajiv Kapoor suffered a cardiac arrest and breathed his last on February 9 2021.
Rajiv Kapoor’s elder brother and actor Kareena Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor’s father, Randhir Kapoor confirmed the news with The Times of India. “I have lost my youngest brother, Rajiv. He is no more. The doctors tried their best but could not save him,” the grieving brother told TOI.
Rajiv Kapoor featured in a number of films before venturing into production and direction.
Rajiv’s pet name was Chimpu and he was fondly addressed by this name.
Rajiv Kapoor made his acting debut in 1983 with Ek Jaan Hain Hum. The movie also starred his uncle Shammi Kapoor and actor Divya Rana and Tanuja.
Rajiv also starred in his father, the legendary actor and director Rajiv Kapoor’s last directorial, Ram Teri Ganga Maili.
Rajiv went on to work with actresses like Mandakini, Kimi Katkar, Amrita Singh, Vijayata Pandit, Padmini Kolhapure, Meenakshi Sheshadhiri, Dimple Kapadia, Divya Rana, Rati Agnihotri and Tina Munim among others.
The 58-year-old actor donned the director’s hat for the first time with Prem Granth. The film released in 1996 and featured his brother late Rishi Kapoor along with actor Madhuri Dixit Nene.
Rajiv’s first movie as a producer was Henna in 1999. The movie was directed by his brother Randhir Kapoor and starred his brother Rishi Kapoor.
His last appearance in a movie was in the 1990 hit Zimmedar.
InApril 2020, Rajiv’s elder brother and veteran actor Rishi Kapoor died of Leukemia.
Rajivwas also involved in the direction of Biwi O Biwi. In 1998, the RK banner was felicitated marking their 50 years by the Filmfare Awards. The award was accepted by Rajiv on behalf of the family production house.
On January 14, 2020, sister Ritu Nanda died, leaving behind a grieving Kapoor and Nanda family.
Rajiv was also the editor of the two films.
Rajiv was all set to make a comeback with filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker’s Toolsidas Junior, alongside actor Sanjay Dutt.
Rajiv told Cinestaan, “As far as my career is concerned, Ram Teri Ganga Maili is the best film I did. The other films didn’t do well, but not all were bad. The sad part was that everybody wanted to project me like Shammi Kapoor, because I looked like him.”
He also spoke about his failed marriage in the same interview. He said, “Yes, I was married, but it didn’t even last for a couple of months. I then got divorced, remained single, but I was happy with my life. However, I now have my partner with me and I’m happy.”
Actor Raza Murad has said that destiny was never on Rajiv Kapoor’s side. Rajiv died of a cardiac arrest on 9/2/2021 , at the age of 58. The son of late actor Raj Kapoor, Rajiv never achieved the career highs that many members of his illustrious family did.
Asked if Rajiv struggled with loneliness, Raza said, “Yes. Definitely. You see, his films didn’t work. Prem Granth was a good film, but it didn’t work. His television series didn’t work. His marriage didn’t work. Destiny wasn’t on the side of Rajiv Kapoor. Worse actors than him have succeeded in this industry. I’ll say that there was loneliness, but never bitterness.”