When Rishi Kapoor decided to step away from films: 'Couldn't compete with younger lot'

Rishi Kapoor once talked about his life, career, and personal challenges in a throwback interview. The late legendary star honestly expressed how he felt embarrassed watching his younger self on screen, shared his journey in the film industry, and recalled memories from his childhood.Rishi admitted that he feels embarrassed when watching his younger self on screen. He mentioned that he tends to change the channel instead of watching his films, explaining that while he can appreciate his physical presence as an actor, he struggles to admire his body of work. This revelation came during a 2011 interview with Firstpost, where he was promoting his film Agneepath, in which he portrayed a character that was surprisingly different from the romantic roles he had played throughout his nearly 50-year acting career.Despite his successful career, Rishi had no regrets, even during his break from acting. He expressed that he was content with his journey, stating that he never chased stardom. After the instant success of Bobby in 1973, he faced challenges trying to replicate that success. He worked as a leading star for 25 years, from 1973 to 1998, but eventually became bored, gained weight, and felt he could no longer compete with younger actors.However, the veteran actor's love for filmmaking prompted him to try his hand at directing. He returned money to the filmmakers he was supposed to work with and took a three-month break at home. Eventually, he decided to direct Aa Ab Laut Chalein, featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Akshaye Khanna. His comeback to acting was made possible by Ajay and Veeru Devgn, who encouraged him to take on roles in Khatti Meethi and Raju Chacha.Rishi Kapoor's last film, Sharmaji Namkeen, served as a heartfelt tribute to his legacy. He began filming as Sharmaji, a retired man facing new challenges, alongside Juhi Chawla. After Kapoor's untimely passing in April 2020, Paresh Rawal stepped in to complete the project. Released in 2022, the film highlighted Kapoor's enduring charm and talent, celebrating his remarkable career.