Our friendship lasted 45 years because we were similar in nature — we loved food and drinks, and were brimming with optimism. We grew close during the making of Khel Khel Mein (1975).

Eventually, Jeetendra joined us, and we three became inseparable. We would meet every day after our respective shoots.

Chintu and I did several movies together — Jhoota Kahin Ka (1979), Khel Khel Mein and Aap Ke Deewane (1980), among others. He would never prepare for his shots, and yet, when the camera rolled, he came alive! He was so spontaneous and natural. When we were shooting for Aap Ke Deewane, I asked him how he shone in each take without having prepped for it. With a smile, he said, 'Aise hi yaar, main camera ke saamne bas masti karta hoon…' He was such an integral part of my life that I couldn't imagine my first directorial venture without him. So, I requested Chintu to do a cameo in Khudgarz (1987).

[In 2018], our cancer diagnosis came months apart — his in August, and mine in December. But we both fought with a smile on our face. He was always brave and full of life. When I met him in March before the lockdown, Chintu, Neetu and I reminisced about our good old days.

I spoke to Neetu earlier this week when I learnt he was hospitalised and prayed for his speedy recovery. I woke up this morning to a message from a friend, asking if Rishi Kapoor was all right. When I called Dabboo [Randhir Kapoor], his number was busy. That's when my heart sank and I instinctively knew something was wrong. Then I rang up Ranbir who shared the news. It was so shocking that I started crying on the phone. Instead of me consoling him, Ranbir comforted me. He has been a pillar of strength to his father.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

If there's one friendship in the Hindi film industry that probably lasted the longest, it was of Rakesh Roshan and Rishi Kapoor. Their friendship spanned over four decades and they stayed friends forever and ever. The duo was always accompanied by another veteran star Jeetendra. The trio redefined companionship in cinema. Taking about the unfortunate and untimely demise of Kapoor, Rakesh Roshan spoke to Bollywood Hungama about it and poured his heart out.

Speaking about meeting his friend for the last time, he said, "I met him last on March 15 over dinner. Only Chintu (Rishi), his wife Neetu and I were there, and we chatted for nearly three hours. We discussed each other's health. I am a hundred per cent cured, touchwood. Chintu asked me why I didn't start a new film. I told him I will wait until September when my final medical tests will happen. I would rather wait until I'm fully sure. Health comes first. And this is what I told Chintu also."

In February, Rishi Kapoor had to travel to Delhi to attend a wedding but Roshan advised him to take rest, but it seems the actor was adamant. Speaking about it, Roshan said, "Both of us had cancer, though different kinds. I am aware of how infection-prone we are. So when Chintu told me about his plans to go to Delhi in February for a wedding I advised him against it. But he still went and had a relapse there. When I met Chintu he admitted he should've listened to me and that he made a mistake by going to Delhi."

Roshan and Kapoor's friendship began and eventually blossomed on the sets of their film together, Khel Khel Mein, a thriller that came out in 1975 and also starred Neetu Kapoor. And ever since then, as stated above, they continued staying friends forever. It's nearly impossible to even imagine a bond like this exist in today's competitive times. Rishi Kapoor, you shall be missed!

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news