As a child and teenager, I used to look forward to watching movies of certain actors - and that included Rishi Kapoor. His roles - of an enthusiastic, sometimes mischievous youngster were always enjoyable to the young lad I was. Chocolate hero he was, and outgrow his films one did - as one grew up. After some forgettable and incongruous hero roles with much younger actresses in the 90s, it seemed that he had rediscovered himself in roles that suited his age and viewers’ sensibilities. It helped that the new age directors could tap into his natural ability. His memorable performances in Agneepath, Do Dooni Char, Kapoor & Sons etc proved that talent never fades.
Naturalness or ease - yes that’s one trait everyone relates with Rishi Kapoor. A distinctive voice and face were the two other. All these seem innate... he never came across as an actor who learnt the art, he did what came naturally and that was pretty good! And as usually is the case, natural talent seldom goes with temperament. In some ways the flaws actually add more character to the being.
Those born in the 70s or before and younger generation today would have different images of Rishi. The latter would have adulation and respect for the actor, but the former would have love and affection for the hero - their hero. To me, the name Rishi Kapoor brings up visuals of the likeable and handsome young lead of Khel Khel Mein, Bobby and Karz. He was and remains 20 something for us though time has passed by and eventually taken him away.
RIP Chintu ji! Forever young.