Rishi Kapoor and Rakesh Roshan were close friends for 45 years. Rakesh is understandably shaken by the suddenness of his pal’s death. “I met him last on March 15 over dinner. Only Chintu (Rishi), his wife Neetu and I were there, and we chatted for nearly three hours. We discussed each other’s health.”
Rakesh Roshan himself has come out of a cancer phase. “I am a hundred percent cured, touchwood. Chintu asked me why I didn’t start a new film. I told him I will wait until September when my final medical tests will happen. I would rather wait until I’m fully sure. Health comes first. And this is what I told Chintu also.” In fact Rakesh Roshan blames Rishi Kapoor’s trip to Delhi in February for his health relapse. “Both of had cancer, though different kinds. I am aware of how infection-prone we are. So when Chintu told me about his plans to go to Delhi in February for a wedding I advised him against it. But he still went, and had a relapse there. When I met Chintu he admitted he should’ve listened to me and that he made a mistake by going to Delhi.”
Rakesh reveals how admitting his mistakes came easily to Rishi. “He was short-tempered and impulsive and often regretted what he said. We both have our good and bad points and our friendship lasted so long because we accepted each other with our faults. We had no ego issues between us. Chintu would regret what he said or did and then apologize the next day. I was also quick to say sorry to him when I erred. That’s why we remained so close.”
Looking back on their unique friendship Rakesh Roshan says, “We first met when we worked together in the musical Khel Khel Mein. We hit it off instantly .We had so much in common. That’s when our professional and personal association began. No matter how busy we got we would meet 3-4 times a week. A friendship requires commitment and time to last.”
Rakesh remembers many vacations of the two families together. “We went on many holidays together Chintu, Neetu, Ranbir, me, my wife Pinky, Duggu (son Hrithik Roshan) and Susanne. Those times will never return. But the memories will remain with me. I find it hard to believe that Chintu is gone.I feel he is still with me that he will call any moment. Sadly I couldn’t attend his last rites because of my own health condition.”
Fully cured of cancer Rakesh Roshan is taking no chances. “I eat well, sleep well and exercise daily. I hope to start my new film after September.”
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