Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 30: Even years after his passing on April 30, 2020, the legendary Rishi Kapoor continues to be remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike. Veteran actress Poonam Dhillon revisited her cherished memories of working with the late actor, highlighting his unique charisma and warmth.
Reflecting on their on-screen partnership, Poonam praised Rishi Kapoor—fondly called “Chintu”—for his rare ability to bring emotional depth to film songs. “I think Rishi Kapoor was probably the only actor who could sing a sad song with a smile,” she shared. “It wasn’t a happy smile. It was a sad smile that still conveyed deep emotion. He made you feel it just with a look or the way he sang.”
Poonam noted similarities with Rishi’s father, Raj Kapoor, recalling how both carried an emotional undercurrent in their performances, particularly in songs. “When I saw Raj uncle’s films, I noticed he had that same quality,” she added.
Beyond his talent, Poonam remembered the Kapoor family’s famous hospitality, sharing a light-hearted anecdote about meals at Rishi and Neetu Kapoor’s home. “We were sometimes more excited about the lunch than the shooting,” she laughed. “They always served proper Punjabi food—never pizzas!”
She recounted a particularly humorous moment: “I once told Neetu not to serve me too much dal, and Chintu just took it with his hand and put it on his plate, saying ‘Don’t worry, I’ll take.’ I was shocked—‘Who takes dal with their hand?!’ But that was them—very informal, very loving.”
Poonam and Rishi Kapoor were a beloved screen pair in the 1980s, starring together in memorable films such as Zamana, Biwi O Biwi, Ek Chadar Maili Si, and Yeh Vaada Raha.