Ashutosh Gowariker: It’s unfortunate, that Rajiv Kapoor couldn’t see his last film Toolsidas Junior

The youngest son of Raj Kapoor actor-director Rajiv Kapoor passed away on Tuesday, February 9. He was only 58, suffered a massive cardiac arrest. Rajiv’s last work was with eminent filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker in a film called Toolsidas Junior also starring Sanjay Dutt.

The Swades director shared his grief on the microblogging site, “I was a great fan of Rajiv Kapoor, from his Ram Teri Ganga Maili days. It was a superb debut performance. I carried that memory with me for many years and then we connected quite a few times since Lagaan. And when an opportunity arrived in the form of my production of Toolsidas Junior, (which is directed by Mridul), I cast him in it.”

He also adds, “It was really lovely to work with Rajiv. Onsets, he was an absolute professional. And played the part with so much fun, dignity and ease. What an affable person he was. His performance in Toolsidas Junior is going to surprise everyone. Sadly, he won’t be there to enjoy the accolades he was surely going to receive.My team had called him just a couple of days ago, to set up his interviews for the promotion of Toolsidas Junior. And now, I still cannot believe that I am talking about him in the past tense.”

 

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The film is an inspiring human sports drama produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Ashutosh Gowariker & Sunita Gowariker, is written & directed by Mridul. Rajiv Kapoor made his acting debut with 1983 film Ek Jaan Hain Hum, but made his mark as a leading actor in blockbuster Ram Teri Ganga Maili which was also his father Raj Kapoor’s directorial film. He went on to feature in films like Aasman, Lover Boy, Zabardast. His last film as a hero was 1990’s Zimmedaar.

Later on, he made a switch to production and direction. His first production was Heena which was directed by Randhir Kapoor. He made his directorial debut with Prem Granth starring Rishi Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit Nene.

Also Read: Rajiv Kapoor passes away: Kareena Kapoor arrives at his residence with Karisma Kapoor and mom Babita