In a fascinating revelation, acclaimed filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has shed light on a lesser-known aspect of the late actor Rishi Kapoor's career: his profound aversion to working at night. This fear was so intense that it once led him to turn down a film project with his own legendary father, the showman Raj Kapoor.
The Anecdote That Revealed a Deep-Seated Fear
Mehra, known for cinematic gems like 'Rang De Basanti' and 'Aks', recently recounted his experience of collaborating with Rishi Kapoor for the 2009 film 'Delhi 6'. The movie, which also starred Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, and Waheeda Rahman, required Kapoor to shoot extensively during nighttime. Aware of the actor's rumoured dislike for night schedules, Mehra approached him with caution after Rishi instantly liked the script.
"I had heard he was averse to night shootings," Mehra stated. In response, Rishi Kapoor shared a telling personal anecdote. He revealed that director Raj Kapoor had once narrated a film to him but mentioned it required two or three days of night shooting. Rishi Kapoor left that film solely because of those few nights. Turning to Mehra, he quipped, "He told me an anecdote. He said there was this director called Raj Kapoor... I left that film for three nights, and here you are telling me that the entire film is set at night?"
Overcoming the Fear for 'Delhi 6'
Unwilling to compromise his artistic vision for 'Delhi 6', which was fundamentally a night-time narrative, Mehra was honest with the veteran actor. He told Kapoor, "There is no other way and I need your help here." This direct appeal, coupled with Rishi's strong connection to the script's social commentary—which reminded him of his father's classic 'Jaagte Raho'—led to a historic agreement.
Rishi Kapoor eventually agreed, making 'Delhi 6' the first and only film in his long career where he shot extensively at night. "He did cooperate, and that was the first time ever when he shot at nights," Mehra confirmed, highlighting the actor's professionalism and commitment to a powerful story.
The Childhood Trauma Behind the Phobia
The roots of this professional reluctance were deeply personal and traumatic. In his candid memoir, 'Khullam Khulla: Rishi Kapoor Uncensored', the actor opened up about his complex relationship with his father. He described a childhood haunted by his father's late-night returns.
"There was a point in time, when I was a young boy, when his arrival was anything but pleasant. Those midnight moments haunted me for a long time," Rishi wrote. He recounted that Raj Kapoor would often return home very late and very drunk, creating an atmosphere of fear.
The young Rishi would hide under his razai (quilt), shivering but alert, with wide-open eyes, straining to hear his father's movements. Only when Raj Kapoor's voice faded as he moved towards his room would Rishi finally relax and breathe easy. These formative experiences clearly left an indelible mark, translating into a steadfast refusal to work at night for most of his acting life.
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's recollection not only provides a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a notable film but also adds a poignant layer to the understanding of Rishi Kapoor's personality. It showcases how childhood memories can shape professional choices and how the power of a compelling script can help overcome even the deepest of fears.
