Rishi Kapoor's death has come as a big shock to all. The actor, who returned to Mumbai after his treatment in the US, had resumed work a few months ago. He was shooting for a film called Sharmaji Namkeen but unfortunately couldn't complete it as cruel fate struck. We spoke to Sheeba Chaddha, who is a part of the film and she had a few details to share with us.
Excerpts from the conversation:
You have had the opportunity to work with Rishi Kapoor more than once...
I have worked with him four times. The first time I worked with him was in Zoya Akhtar's Luck By Chance, followed by Delhi 6 which also starred Sonam Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan in it. Recently, we did a Netflix film together titled Rajma Chawal and another one was in the making.
You talking about Sharmaji Namkeen?
Yes, Sharmaji Namkeen is incomplete. A bit of it is left.
How was his health when he was shooting?
His health was alright but he used to be very careful on the sets. He used to keep saying that if anybody has any kind of infection, they should stay away from him.
When did you start shooting for this film?
Well, many people don't know this but Rishiji had started shooting for the film in Delhi before he was diagnosed with cancer. That was sometime around end of 2018. I was about to join the team but the production people called me and informed that the shoot has been called off for some time due to Rishi ji’s health.
The film got stalled for a year until he returned from the US to resume shooting in December 2019.
However, we shot a lot in December and January. As of now, thus, a lot of Sharmaji Namkeen is complete.
How are they going to conclude the film, now?
I really don't have any idea as it is up to the producers (Honey Trehan and Excel Entertainment) to decide. I am very sad. Rishiji was such a brilliant actor.
How would you describe him as a person?
He was very real and a lovely person to work with. Being such a senior and an experienced person, he was always there to help anybody out.
What was your last conversation with him?
I remember I was was standing there to give him the cue. He looked at me and said, ‘Aap kyun cue de rahe ho, aap toh ho hi nahi’, to which I said ‘It’s okay’. He said, ‘Hum toh bigde hue actor hain, aapke shot mein hum to nahi dete cue toh aap kyun de rahi hain?'. I was quite surprised.
What is the film about and what's his character?
The film is largely on Rishi ji, he plays the title role. Rishi ji was a foodie in real life and co-incidentally, food plays a crucial role in Sharmaji's life.
When was the film scheduled to release?
If all had gone well, we would have released it by December 2020 I guess. But now, let's see.
Image Source:- APH Images, Wikipedia
Image Source:- APH Images, Wikipedia