The family of Bollywood's 'showman' Raj Kapoor is considered to be the most prestigious family of Indian cinema. All three of his sons—Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor and Rajiv Kapoor—tried their luck in films. While Rishi Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor made a distinct identity for themselves in the industry, the film journey of the youngest son Rajiv Kapoor was not as successful as expected. Rajiv Kapoor's failure had soured the relationship between father and son so much that according to reports, he did not even attend his father's funeral. The roots of this sourness were linked to an actress and a superhit film.
Dissatisfaction with 'Ram Teri Ganga Maili' film and Mandakini
Rajiv Kapoor started his acting career in the year 1983 with the film 'Ek Jaan Hain Hum', but he did not get success. After this, to handle his son's sinking career, Raj Kapoor made the cult classic film 'Ram Teri Ganga Maili' in 1985, in which he launched Mandakini. Rajeev hoped that his stardom would shine with this film, but the opposite happened. The entire limelight of the film was taken by the new actress Mandakini and the direction of Raj Kapoor himself, while Rajiv Kapoor faded on the screen.
Due to this, Rajiv Kapoor became very angry with his father and held Raj Kapoor responsible for his failure. It is said that after this film, the tensions between father and son increased so much that there was a deep rift in their relationship. It was even discussed in the corridors of the industry that due to this resentment and bitterness, Rajiv Kapoor did not even attend the funeral of his father Raj Kapoor after his death.
Failed marriage, loneliness and death at 58
Apart from being unsuccessful in the film world, Rajiv Kapoor's personal life was also full of ups and downs. In 2001, he married architect Aarti Sabharwal, but due to mutual differences, this relationship ended in divorce in just two years i.e. in 2003. After separation from his wife, he started living alone in Pune and according to reports, he faced a lot of problems due to excessive alcohol addiction.
Later he returned to Mumbai and started living in a Chembur house with his brother Randhir Kapoor. Rajiv Kapoor, who suffered the pain of loneliness and neglect throughout his life, died of a heart attack on 9 February 2021 at the age of just 58. After his departure, his last film 'Tulsidas Junior' was released in the year 2022, which was highly appreciated by the audience.