Neil Nitin Mukesh’s closeness to Rishi Kapoor goes back to many generations. “My grandfather (the great singer Mukesh) was Chintu Uncle’s father’s ghost voice. It’s well known that Raj Saab considered my grandfather his voice. The association continued with my father (singer Nitin Mukesh) and Chintu Uncle. They were very close friends. Our families are very close to one another over generations.”
Neil fondly recalls his proximity to Rishi Kapoor. “He was a father-figure to me. I remember moments of my childhood clearly even now on the sets of Yash Chopraji’s Vijay. I was in awe of Chintu Uncle. As an actor, I have always maintained that one of the biggest inspirations for me has been Chintu Uncle. I’ve always drawn inspiration from his effortless performances.”
Neil recalls Rishi Kapoor and family attended all the functions at Neil’s residence. “There was not a single significant occasion or celebration in our family without Chintu Uncle. He was always there to spread the love and joy that came naturally to him. He always called me beta and said I was like his son. I felt nothing less than paternal vibes from him.”
More than Neil, his father is affected by Rishi Kapoor’s sudden departure. “We are deeply saddened. My father is shattered and all at home are very very upset. We have lost someone very dear. But like he always said, ‘Remember me with a smile.’ This is exactly what I will do. I am so happy that my daughter Nurvi met him and was blessed by him.”
Asked to pick his favourite Rishi Kapoor films, Neil says, “Oh difficult one. All of them.From his first film Mera Naam Joker to his last The Body. But my most favourites are Karz, Chandni, Yeh Vada Raha, Amar Akbar Anthony, Deewaana and Heena. I took a lot of inspiration from Chintu Uncle in Chandni for my portrayal in my recent film Bypass Road.”