When Rishi Kapoor felt embarrassed watching himself on screen after gaining weight: 'My name is not there among the top...'

Actor Rishi Kapoor, known for his charismatic roles, once talked about feeling bored of doing movies and portraying romantic characters on screen. The actor revealed that he decided to quit acting and try directing movies after feeling tired of his young roles. He had to return all the money he received from producers after turning down each and every movie he had signed as an actor.


Rishi Kapoor about feeling tired of romantic roles

In an old interview with Firstpost, Rishi shared that he usually switches the channel if he comes across any of his movies: “I am embarrassed watching myself on screen. I don’t know if there is an opposite word for narcissist… but that’s how I feel watching my films. I can admire my physical self as an actor, but not my body of work,” he said.




Rishi Kapoor's dark shaded role in Angeepath

In Agneepath, Rishi did not play a romantic role but showcased a dark, intense character. Kapoor held no bitterness over the trajectory of his long-spanning career. “I’ve no regrets in my life – even though my name is not there among the top names. I didn’t wait for stardom – Bobby was an instant hit in 1973 and it was after that, that I had to struggle to match its success. I’ve been working for 25 years as a leading star from 1973 to 1998, after which I got bored, gained weight and felt I couldn’t compete with the younger lot,” he added.
Rishi Kapoor directing movies after his hiatus

After a brief hiatus, Kapoor returned to the industry. He gave the money back to filmmakers and sat at home for three months. He decided to direct Aa Ab Laut Chalein with Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan and Akshaye Khanna. It was Ajay and Veeru Devgn who reignited his interest in acting with roles in Khatti Meethi and Raju Chacha.


Rishi Kapoor's way to the industry
Rishi’s passion for acting began long before his official debut. Although he entered films as a teenager with Mera Naam Joker at the age of 16, his uncle, Shashi Kapoor, was the first to recognise his interest when he saw the young Rishi mimicking expressions and drawing fake moustaches with pencils. He was often seen loitering around RK Studios before becoming a performer.

He recalled failing his English exam during Senior Cambridge after mistakenly writing 14 foolscap sheets for a précis, which led to his papers being marked down under the British evaluation system. Rishi was encouraged by his father, legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor, to join him as an assistant director on Kal Aaj Aur Kal. This behind-the-scenes experience eventually paved the way for his acting debut.


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