Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor died at 67, a day after another veteran, Irrfan Khan, died

Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor's death a day after another Bollywood great, Irrfan Khan, died of cancer drew deep condolences from people in the entertainment industry and leaders. The 67-year-old actor had also been fighting cancer. He was taken to HN Reliance Hospital in Mumbai by his family on Wednesday morning.

"Our dear Rishi Kapoor passed away peacefully at 8.45 am in hospital today after a two-year battle with leukaemia. The doctors and medical staff at the hospital said he kept them entertained to the last," Rishi Kapoor's family said in a statement.

"In this hour of personal loss, we also recognise the world is going through a very difficult and troubled time. There are numerous restrictions around movement and gathering in public. We would like to request all his fans and well-wishers and friends of the family to please respect the laws that are in force. He would not have it any other way," his family said.

Several leaders and actors across the nation tweeted to give their condolences.

Heartbroken ... Rest In Peace ... my dearest friend #RishiKapoor — Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) April 30, 2020

"This is a terrible week for Indian cinema, with the passing of another legend, actor Rishi Kapoor. A wonderful actor, with a huge fan following across generations, he will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family, friends & fans all over the world, at this time of grief," Congress MP Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

This is a terrible week for Indian cinema, with the passing of another legend, actor Rishi Kapoor. A wonderful actor, with a huge fan following across generations, he will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family, friends & fans all over the world, at this time of grief. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 30, 2020

Other leaders soon tweeted condolences on hearing the death of Rishi Kapoor.

"The sudden demise of actor Rishi Kapoor is shocking. He was not only a great actor but a good human being. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. Om Shanti," Union Minister Prakash Javadekar tweeted.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor tweeted in memory of his "schoolmate". "Saddened to hear that my senior schoolmate at Mumbai's Campion School, Rishi Kapoor, whom i competed with in inter-class dramatics in 1967-68, has gone to a better world. From the romantic hero of Bobby to the mature character actor of his last films, he evolved remarkably. RIP" Mr Tharoor tweeted.

Saddened to hear that my senior schoolmate at Mumbai's CampionSchool, Rishi Kapoor, whom i competed with in "inter-class dramatics" in 1967-68, has gone to a better world. From the romantic hero of "Bobby"to the mature character actor of his last films, he evolved remarkably. RIP pic.twitter.com/9eyzE0qP38 — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 30, 2020

Rishi Kapoor returned to India last September after undergoing treatment for cancer in the US for almost a year. In February, he was hospitalised twice.

Condolences kept pouring in for the veteran actor who belonged to a film dynasty that spans several generations - his father, Raj Kapoor, was among India's most revered actors and filmmakers.

No way ! I don't want to believe this news !!!! Heartbroken @chintskap Rishi uncle no more! ???? RIP ???????? — Esha Deol (@Esha_Deol) April 30, 2020

Absolutely heartbroken. This is an irreparable loss. To the film industry. To the audiences. And to all who were blessed enough to know him personally. Love you Rishi uncle. #RIP — Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) April 30, 2020

Both tragedies have happened in ths terrible time of corona & it is too much to digest.Such a wonderful actor,Rishi, snuffed out just whn we thot he was recovering.Sad tht we cannot pay our last respects to this lovely person.We are all with the Kapoors in spirit in ths tragedy???? — Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) April 30, 2020

Cant believe it. Chintu ji @chintskap. (Mr.Rishi Kapoor) was always ready with a smile. We had mutual love and respect. Will miss my friend. My heartfelt condolence to the family. — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) April 30, 2020

This is unreal and unbelievable. Yesterday Irrfan Khan and today Rishi Kapoor ji. It's hard to accept this as a legend passes away today. My condolences to the family and may his soul rest in peace ???????? — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) April 30, 2020

I'm at an absolute & total loss for words.Holding this phone in disbelief. Yesterday Irrfan and now .... Gutted , sad , heartbroken .I truly believed you'll come out of this .You will be missed , Sir . RIP . Om Shanti. — Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) April 30, 2020

Unspeakable grief. Another legend passes away! Blessed to have worked briefly with #RishiKapoor sir in 'Aurangzeb' -a great actor, he was as engaging a ranconteur! An artist whose craft grew & sustained across generations! #RIP sir!

There cannot will not be another like you! pic.twitter.com/IOCcqWS35p — Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) April 30, 2020

Rishi Kapoor is survived by his wife Neetu Kapoor, son Ranbir and daughter Riddhima. Last seen in the 2019 films The Body and Jhootha Kahin Ka, Mr Kapoor was meant to star in a Bollywood adaptation of The Intern with Deepika Padukone.