Rishi Kapoor refused a film with father Raj Kapoor because it required him to do night shoots, recalls 'Delhi 6' director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

Rishi Kapoor collaborated with his legendary father Raj Kapoor on films like 'Mera Naam Joker', 'Bobby' and later 'Prem Rog' but did you know that the actor had also refused a film with his father and only because it required him to do night shoots. Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra known for movies like 'Rang De Basanti', 'Aks' and 'Delhi 6' has now opened up on it as he spoke about his experience of working with the late Rishi Kapoor.

Mehra worked with Kapoor in 'Delhi 6' which also starred Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor and the iconic Waheeda Rahman. Mehra said he approached Rishi with the 'Delhi 6' script, which the actor liked instantly. Still, the director was cautious, knowing that most of Rishi’s scenes were scheduled for the night. “I had heard he was averse to night shootings,” Mehra said, before sharing the anecdote Rishi narrated in response.




“He told me an anecdote. He said there was this director called Raj Kapoor. He narrated a film to me and then told me that there were 2–3 days of night shooting required. I left that film for three nights, and here you are telling me that the entire film is set at night?” Mehra recalled.

Unwilling to alter his vision, Mehra was upfront with the actor. “There is no other way and I need your help here,” he told him. Rishi eventually agreed, making Delhi 6 the first film of his career in which he shot extensively at night. “He did cooperate, and that was the first time ever when he shot at nights,” Mehra said.

The filmmaker also spoke about Rishi Kapoor’s immediate emotional response to the script. The actor, Mehra recalled, felt a strong connection to the story. “It reminded him of Jaagte Raho that Raj Kapoor made, and he added that there was a very strong social commentary, and he would love to do it.”

Rishi Kapoor had also reflected on his complex relationship with his father in his memoir 'Khullam Khulla: Rishi Kapoor' Uncensored. Writing candidly about his childhood, he described how Raj Kapoor’s late-night returns often left him deeply disturbed. “There was a point in time, when I was a young boy, when his arrival was anything but pleasant. Those midnight moments haunted me for a long time, although I steadfastly refused to share my feelings with anyone, until now. My father would not only come home very late, but also very drunk,” he wrote.

He went on to describe the fear that defined those nights. “From the moment my father staggered home, I would hide under my razai, shivering but alert, my eyes wide open, straining to hear what he was saying or doing. It was only when I heard his voice growing faint, as he moved towards his room, that I would relax and breathe easy.”