Book Review: Rishi Kapoor Khullam Khulla (Uncensored)


What makes him a star...


Is there anything that stays 'undisclosed' in a celebrity's life? Something that can still shock and awe his fans or individuals who admire his body of work and the actor himself? It turns out that yes, some facts can stay carefully undisclosed, especially if you are an actor belonging to an earlier generation; or from a film family that's revered and members of the clan continue to work in one of the biggest film industry.

Rishi Kapoor's memories penned in Khullam Khulla (co-authored by Meena Iyer, senior journalist) at times reveal and at times reinforce 'beliefs and opinions' about the Kapoor family. 

His father's fondness for Nargis (actor) was known to everyone and Rishi's possessiveness for Dimple Kapadia (his co-star in Bobby) was also discussed in public domain. His recording of those aspects makes the account authentic. 

With the unbaring of intrigues, rivalries, friendships (some gone sour) and family quirks, the memoirs could have attained a hagiography status. But that doesn't happen and for that we need to thank both Kapoor and Iyer. The writing is matter-of-fact, neither embellishing the actor's struggle with depression or the spats that he got into.

Somewhere in the book, Kapoor says this about the film industry and its people -- 'We do not all lead false and empty lives. Under all the tinsel and sparkle, there is heart and soul.' One tends to believe him. 

And, now here's some trivia from Khullam Khulla...

  • Did you know Raj Kapoor was named Shrishti Nath Kapoor at birth? Later it was changed to Ranbir Raj Kapoor, which then became Raj Kapoor?
  • The blue eyes of the Kapoor family came from Raj Kapoor's mother Ramsarni Malhotra's side of family.
  • Rishi Kapoor was born and brought up in Matunga before he moved to Bandra and then Pali Hill.
  • Love blossomed between Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh when they were shooting for Kabhi Kabhi in 1975. Incidentally, Kapoor had earlier rejected the film, it was his uncle, Shashi Kapoor who convinced him to take up the role.
Name: Rishi Kapoor Khullam Khulla (Uncensored)
Authors: Rishi Kapoor and Meena Iyer
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 256
Price: Rs 399

 

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