Mumbai: Padmini Kolhapure, who shared screen space with Rishi Kapoor in 1982 release Prem Rog, is shell-shocked to hear about the demise of her co-star.
As the condolences continue to pour in on social media, Padmini who was serenaded by Rishi in Prem Rog said she is "shell-shocked" learning about the departure of her co-star.
"I am shell-shocked, unable to express my feelings. This is a very personal loss and I am feeling helpless as I can't even be part of his last rites and pay our last respect due to lockdown," said Padmini.
The actor also urged Rishi's fans to pray for him while being at home.
"He has left a ceaseless void in this industry and I am feeling this huge vacuum within," said the actor stunned by Rishi's demise.
Mourning the loss of a prolific talent, Padmini said Rishi was a pleasure to work with as he would infuse the set with his energy and the crew would be elevated seeing "Chintu saab" walking in the set.
When asked about the memorable moments, Padmini said: "There are many but I am not in a frame of mind to recount those and put it in words."
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The actor also took to Twitter to express grief over Rishi's death and wrote, "Pray pray pray for his soul 🙏 I’m shocked and numbed .. love you chintu love you 🙏 will miss your tweets your wit @chintskap."
Rishi and Padmini's Prem Rog was considered to be ahead of its time. In the film, Raj Kapoor beautifully weaved the issues of caste discrimination and widow remarriage.
As reported earlier, the 67-year-old actor was admitted to Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai where wife Neetu Kapoor was at his side. Rishi passed away peacefully at 8:45am IST in hospital today after a two-year battle with leukemia.
In 2018, Rishi Kapoor was diagnosed with cancer for the first time, following which the actor was in New York for nearly a year to undergo treatment. He returned to India in September 2019 after recovering.
Post return to India, his health has frequently been in focus. The actor was admitted to hospital in quick succession in February. Amid speculations about his health, he had been hospitalised in New Delhi in early February, while on a visit to New Delhi.
