Rishi Kapoor: I have never stayed away from the camera for such a long time in my life

After undergoing treatment for cancer in New York for almost nine-and-a-half months, Rishi Kapoor is hoping to come back to Mumbai soon. The senior actor is also looking forward to the release of his film, ‘Jhootha Kahin Ka’. Ahead of the movie’s release today (July 19), the actor talked to Bombay Times about fighting the disease, how family and friends rallied around him and much more.

When asked if the thought of getting back to work after so long is both exciting and unnerving, he said, “It’s an overwhelming situation. Most people are calling my son to ask him if I could work in their films, but right now, I can’t commit to anything as I don’t know when I am coming back. I want to do films at leisure. Not that anything is wrong with me or anything has changed. I am the same person, I have the same vigour. It is just that I need to come back and first get into the groove. I have been out of touch with films for a long time. I have had a couple of blood transfusions, so I keep joking with my wife that my blood has been changed. I keep wondering if something has changed in me. I will definitely do the two films that I have committed to. One, that I left off in Delhi and the other is a remake of a huge Bengali hit film. It’s a challenging role. The makers had come to see me here. I haven’t said yes to anyone else yet. Once I get to know my plans and I get back to Mumbai, I want to relax for some days. Maybe, I have forgotten acting! I have never stayed away from the camera for such a long time in my life. This has never happened in the last 45 years, except for the time that I directed '

Aa Ab Laut Chalen

' (1999), which was also shot in New York. That was the year when I did not face the camera. The coincidence is eerie. It felt like deja vu. After giving a year to that film, I immediately did character roles in films like '

Raju Chacha

' (2000) and '

Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi

' (2001).”

For the full interview, read tomorrow’s edition of Bombay Times.