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Actor-director Rajiv Kapoor, son of celebrated filmmaker-actor Raj Kapoor, passed away on Tuesday, February 9. He was 58.
Neetu Kapoor was the first to confirm the news on Instagram.
She wrote 'RIP' alongside a picture of her brother-in-law.
The cause of death was not immediately known.
Neetu's husband, the late and much beloved actor Rishi Kapoor, passed away last year, leaving the nation and the film industry shocked.
Rajiv Kapoor made his acting debut in 1983 with Ek Jaan Hain Hum. People commented on his uncanny resemblance to his uncle, Shammi Kapoor. But it was his performance in the blockbuster Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985) that made the industry sit up and take notice. The film was his father Raj Kapoor's last directorial venture.
Rajiv went on to feature in films like Aasmaan, Lover Boy, Zabardast and Hum To Chale Pardes.
His last appearance as a hero was in Zimmedaar (1990). He then made a switch to production and direction.
His first production was Henna, directed by his eldest brother Randhir Kapoor and featuring Rishi Kapoor.
In 1996, Rajiv made his directorial debut with Prem Granth, starring Rishi Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit-Nene.
He also produced the Rishi Kapoor-directed 1999 romance drama, Aa Ab Laut Chalen. It starred Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Akshaye Kumar.
Rajiv Kapoor was the youngest among three brothers and two sisters -- Randhir, Rishi, Ritu Nanda and Rima Jain.
His eldest sister Ritu Nanda and elder brother Rishi Kapoor passed away last January and April respectively.
In 2001, Rajiv married architect Aarti Sabharwal, but the couple divorced later.
The actor was set to make a comeback to the screen with sports drama Toolsidas Junior, starring Sanjay Dutt in the lead.
Produced by Ashutosh Gowariker and Bhushan Kumar and directed by Mridul, the movie was announced last December.
Mourning Rajiv Kapoor's death, Lata Mangeshkar said she is 'deeply saddened'.
'I just got to know about the passing away of the talented actor Rajiv Kapoor, the youngest son of Raj Kapoor Sahab. I'm deeply saddened by the news. May his soul rest in peace,' she tweeted.
Director-producer Naved Jaffrey remembered Rajiv Kapoor as someone with 'a pure heart and a very nice human being.
'May his soul rest in peace, deepest condolences to the family,' Jaffery wrote on Twitter.
Tusshar Kapoor tweeted, 'Sad to hear of the passing away of Rajiv Kapoor! May his soul rest in peace.'
Neil Nitin Mukesh tweeted, 'Devastated! Another big loss to the family Folded hands one of my most favourite people in the world. Love him so so dearly. Don't remember a Happy Moment without him. Chimpu uncle we will miss you.'
Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid remembered Rajiv Kapoor as 'one of the most versatile' actors of his time'.
Madhur Bhandarkar tweeted, 'My heartfelt condolences to the entire Kapoor family.'
