David Dhawan Reveals Rishi Kapoor's Unwavering Discipline on Film Sets
In a recent candid conversation, veteran filmmaker David Dhawan shed light on the late actor Rishi Kapoor's strict professional ethos, particularly his aversion to working late hours. The revelation came during the finale episode of Kapil Sharma's comedy show, where Dhawan appeared alongside his son, Varun Dhawan.
The 7 PM Pack-Up Rule: A Non-Negotiable Principle
David Dhawan praised Rishi Kapoor's discipline, emphasizing that the actor insisted on wrapping up shoots by 7 PM sharp. This rule was non-negotiable, regardless of the project's demands or schedule pressures. Dhawan, who collaborated with Kapoor on multiple films, described him as a brilliant actor from whom he learned immensely.
"He would always question all filmmakers and make sure he would pack up at 7 PM," Dhawan recounted. "Regarding any scene, he would say, ‘Okay, you are saying this, but why should I do it this way?’ You had to convince him and explain why a scene needed to be done that way. Otherwise, he would stop you right there."
The Night Shoot Rejection: A Hilarious Anecdote
Dhawan shared a particularly amusing incident highlighting Kapoor's steadfastness. Another director once approached Kapoor to narrate a script, and the actor invited him into his car to listen during the commute home. As soon as the director described the first scene as a night sequence, Kapoor immediately instructed the driver to halt the vehicle.
"Rishi Kapoor immediately asked the driver to stop the van and said, ‘Stop the car. I don’t do films that shoot at night. I pack up after 7 PM, no matter what.’ That was it. The narration ended there," Dhawan narrated, leaving the audience in splits.
Rishi Kapoor's Legacy in Hindi Cinema
Rishi Kapoor's career spanned over four decades, during which he starred in numerous iconic films such as 'Amar Akbar Anthony', 'Karz', and 'Chandni'. His contributions to Bollywood remain celebrated, and his disciplined approach on set is now a memorable part of his legacy.
On the personal front, Kapoor was married to actor Neetu Kapoor, and their son, Ranbir Kapoor, is among the leading actors in contemporary Bollywood. The veteran actor passed away on April 30, 2020, in Mumbai after a battle with leukemia, at the age of 67.
David Dhawan's anecdotes not only entertain but also offer a glimpse into the professional rigor that defined Rishi Kapoor's illustrious career, underscoring how his principles shaped his choices and interactions in the film industry.
