'The Body' director Jeethu Joseph on Rishi Kapoor: He is a true artist who celebrated cinema even in the face of personal challenges
Rishi Kapoor
, one can't help but revisit his final on-screen appearance in the 2019 mystery thriller The Body. Directed by
Jeethu Joseph
— best known for the Malayalam hit Drishyam — the film may have flown under the radar, but it remains a significant chapter in Kapoor's storied career.
Rishi Kapoor played SP Jairaj Rawal, a sharp-witted police officer assigned to solve the case of a missing corpse from a morgue. With his signature intensity and effortless screen presence, Kapoor brought gravitas to a role that was layered with suspicion, emotion, and subtle menace. While the film itself was a Hindi remake of a Spanish thriller, Kapoor's portrayal stood out as a testament to his enduring screen brilliance.
The Man Behind the Camera
Director Jeethu Joseph, who was making his
Bollywood
debut, recalled his time working with the veteran actor with deep respect. Despite battling health issues at the time, Kapoor remained thoroughly professional and enthusiastic about the project. Joseph described him as warm, humorous, and brimming with a zest for life — a true artist who celebrated cinema even in the face of personal challenges.
'He was someone who truly enjoyed the process of filmmaking,' Joseph had shared with IANS. 'Even when undergoing treatment in New York, he would stay in touch and talk about future collaborations. That kind of spirit is rare.' The two had even discussed the possibility of teaming up again — this time for a Malayalam film with superstar Mohanlal. Sadly, fate had other plans.
A Poignant Goodbye
Though The Body didn't make waves at the box office, it now holds a special place in Bollywood history. It wasn't just another mystery movie — it was Rishi Kapoor's swan song. A final glimpse of an actor who had journeyed from romantic hero to versatile performer, always leaving a mark with each role.
As fans, we cherish every frame he appeared in, and The Body remains a bittersweet reminder of a talent gone too soon. Kapoor's performance was quiet yet compelling — a fitting farewell from a man who had spent nearly five decades lighting up the silver screen.
If you haven't yet, revisit The Body — not just for the twists and turns, but to witness the last hurrah of a legend who made acting look effortless.
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