KHULLAM KHULLA (RISHI KAPOOR – UNCENSORED)
The cover has a smiling face, of the Chocolate Boy of Indian Cinema, which portrayed the happy (and lucky) life that he lived! I had this book with me for 5 years and finally got down to reading it AFTER Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt got married in April 2022.
Name: Khullam Khulla (Rishi Kapoor – Uncensored)
Format: Softcopy
Number of pages: 295
Availability: Amazon (Buy hardcopy here)
Rating: 4/5
It was an apt title for the autobiography. It was open and straight from the heart!
I liked the English language and the choice of words in the book. The fun new word for today is swashbuckling.
Remembering Prithviraj Kapoor.
Rishi Kapoor, as many of you know, was born into a Hindi cinema-oriented family. He was the middle child, of 5 children, of the famous Raj Kapoor. Most of the autobiography revolves around the icons from the film industry, his encounter with them and their contribution towards his many successes. The book is divided into facets from his personal life, Hindi cinema and how they are intertwined.
Having spent 50 years in the cinema industry and enjoying the privilege of working with 4 generations of stars within and outside the Kapoor family; right from Raj Kapoor to Alia Bhatt, Rishi Kapoor brings out the advantages and disadvantages of the evolving industry.
He openly talks about affairs, emotions, expectations, buying awards, tiffs and his interpretation of several things. He further mentions the pros and cons of being a celebrity. I didn’t know he first came on screen when he was barely 3 years old. I had a good laugh watching the scene (3:39 with him) from Shree 420.
In his autobiography, he also accepts the fact that he was not only a brat but also a cheapskate with amusing examples. He states that he wanted to be remembered as an actor who did his job with utmost sincerity. And I must say that he most certainly did.
What I liked best about this autobiography was that it was sincere and straightforward. It also tells us that under all the tinsel and sparkle, there is heart and soul just like any of us. For instance:
*He went into depression when his movie was a flop.
*Rishi asked Neetu Singh to call up his ex-girlfriend, Yasmin, because he was heartbroken about their breakup.
*He always had the urge of pleasing his father and guru, Raj Kapoor.
*He was annoyed when his son agreed to do the so-called blue film ‘Saawariya’.
*He hoped his son, Ranbir, would revive the RK Studios banner someday.
*He had a strict rule that his wife and kids had to message him when they took off and landed anywhere.
*He is hurt when an acquaintance tries to harm his face as it is well known that their physical appearances are their ‘rozi roti’.
*Stars like himself and Dilip Kumar lived in their respective mother-in-laws’ houses without making it about ego.
*He admired the ever-lasting friendship between Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar. The incidents he talks about were quite emotional.
Rishi Kapoor also mentions certain things that I noticed and agree with whole-heartedly:
*Many songs today don’t match the actor’s voice.
*There are varied singers for one actor in one movie.
*Musicians are unaware of how their songs would be portrayed.
*Old songs (more than 40 years old) are still sung at anthakshiri and karaoke events.
*Like him, I can still watch old movies on repeat.
A few things were repetitive but it doesn’t matter. It’s an autobiography after all.
Firstly, I was glad I understood how Anil Kapoor was related to him. Secondly, I loved Neetu Kapoor’s afterword. It was really amusing and sweet because despite how she claims Rishi Kapoor was, as a father, husband and friend, the two of them remained together until his death in April 2020. This autobiography is an open diary for the world to see. Of course, secrets will always be hidden and it may not be any of our businesses but it’s great to see the film industry through an insider’s eyes. May his soul rest in peace. He would have turned 70 this month!
Besides Sanjay Dutt’s, this is the only other autobiography I got down to reading. Interestingly, from this, we get to know a lot about a well-known celebrity’s real-life struggles. If you know a Rishi Kapoor fan, do share this with them to get a gist of the book. They would love to read the story of his life.
Here is an extensive Kapoor family tree by Beth.
Have you read this or any other autobiography? Let me know which ones and your thoughts on them.
I’m participating in Blogchatter’s #TBRChallenge
This blog post is part of the
blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by
Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Baked Happily Ever After.
29 Comments
I do enjoy reading biographies of Bollywood actors from the yesteryears. Will pick this up!
I have never read any actor’s autobiography. This seems to be an interesting one. I enjoyed watching him on screen, especially performing on some very favourite numbers from the 70s and 80s.
Taking this as a sign from a Universe to finally get around to reading this book! Very well-written review, Cindy 🙂
Thanks, Nikita!
Big fan of Rishi Kapoor here. So I am definitely going to devour this book. And of course the title is so intriguing!
Fan did not hear of this book? Surprising!!!!
I had wanted to read this book for a long time. I liked how straightforward he became in his late times. I also loved the review, now i know what else to expect.
I think sometimes we just hide because of our status or people around us. After a certain age, everything comes out!
I had a huge crush on him..the most lovable chocolate hero of all times. His life has been more than a swashbuckling hero and am sure the book has some exciting anecdotes. Rishi Kapoor uncensored seems truly interesting from your review and I think I will get my hands on this book.
Crush and all! Wah! Yeah do read the book. IT was quite interesting, Harjeet!
A detailed review that reflects your enjoyment of the book. I haven’t read any of the Bollywood autobiographies. Was planning to start with Neena Gupta’s. Will add this to the list too
Oh hers is also on my list, Vasumathi!
I am not very fond of celebrity memoirs since they are often colored. But there are exceptions. This book has been languishing on my TBR for a while. Reading your review, I might pick up the book.
Hahaha! Yeah, some people do intrigue me though I’m not a fan of them. Like I read Sanjay Dutt’s book too..long ago…
It sounds like an interesting book. Rishi Kapoor used to be very popular. I agree with him about the voice of singers not matching the actor. Earlier you would know the actor the song is filmed on just by hearing the song.
Seriously, Madhu, I thought I was the only one making fun of the voices hahahaha.
I only know as a person he is very rude and mostly all stars are in the same way. That is none of our business. But I like your review and really want to read. I never read any autobiography. Will you please share the link of soft copy.
When you are a star, you do change in some way. He was born in a star family so you can imagine why he calls himself ‘spoilt brat’.
Like you Cindy, I have this book(soft copy) for several years. I haven’t got to reading it. I think I will borrow your paperback as I like to read real books. Nice review, just like the book… candid and open.
Mine is the softcopy you gave me, hahaha!
I’m a die hard Rishi Kapoor fan, in fact he was my first celebrity crush. I’ve read his autobiography long back and loved the honesty with which he let the person behind the makeup come out.
Wow, Varsha, you’re the first person who has read the book here! Congrats!
Autobiography is one such genre which I usually pick without questioning much because it offers me the privilege to know a person and his/her work, life and other contribution closely. Based on your recommendation I will pick this book for sure
It looks like a good read… I’ve heard a lot about Rishi Kapoor, and I’d like to see if it covers that too.
Like the title of the book, your review is also KHULLAM KHULLA. Recently watched his films SHARMAJI NAMKEEN and 102 NOT OUT .But never read an autobiography of a film star.
Rishi Kapoor was one of the greatest star in the movie industry and his death has been a huge loss. The relationship of his and Neetu Singh’s has always amazed me being in the same industry they stood strong for all these years. Would love to read his autobiography. I actually came to know through your post that this book has been released. Thanks for the information.
This is such an interesting story. This is actually the first time I heard of him and I’m grateful you’ve made an autobiography review about him. Such an inspiring personal story and a lot to learn from with.
Interesting, I had read many things about Rishi Kapoor, and it would be interesting to see if his autobiography has covered it all
Seems interesting. I will be definitely checking this one out