Exclusive- Rajiv Kapoor Dies at 58: Actor was due to give interviews on February 14 about his Bollywood comeback film ‘Toolsidas Junior’ – Times of India
A few minutes ago, ETimes spoke to Ashutosh’s wife Sunita, who also is a producer on ‘Toolsidas Junior’. Sunita said she was shattered on hearing about Rajiv’s sudden demise. “I was in my car when someone called to tell me that Chimpu (Rajiv Kapoor) has left us. I dismissed it off as fake news and called up a friend, who sadly confirmed that it has indeed happened.”
So, will some other actor come in place of Rajiv? Sunita replies by informing that had COVID not happened, Rajiv would have watched ‘Toolsidas Junior’ in theatres by now. “We are still, of course, aiming for a theatrical release, but we will miss him at every point hereafter. In fact, he was supposed to talk to the media at length in the next few days. We had fixed up his interviews for Sunday, February 14. We had also discussed it with him and he also was looking forward to a nice round of questions. He had completed the film, dubbed for it and even watched it.”
Rajiv Kapoor was Ashutosh’s first choice to play Toolsidas. “Yes, he’s playing the title role in a way. The junior is a 14-year-old kid, who plays his son. Sanjay Dutt is in the film too. The film largely dwells on a father-son relationship,” Sunita reveals.
“We have lost a gem. When Ashutosh first met him, Rajiv had said that if we wanted him to do the film and felt that he suited the part, he would certainly do it. So it didn’t really take long to sign him. Thereafter, of course, we met him quite a few times. He also knew in his heart that he had a fine film to make a comeback with, as Ashutosh, who was producing it, is someone who is extremely creative,” Sunita adds.
“Rajiv was a thorough gentleman. A few people questioned our decision of getting him on board but he proved us right from day 1. He has given a very warm and good performance. His death is a big tragedy,” Sunita concludes.
