When Rishi Kapoor said he never cheated on Neetu Kapoor: “The ripples in the relationship happened because…”

Latest update:Oct 28, 2024 04:06 PM IST

Rishi Kapoor recalled how Neetu felt like a “threat” when she worked with Dimple Kapadia in Saagar.

Neetu Kapoor with Rishi Kapoor

Rishi Kapoor has had an illustrious career in Bollywood, but it is not free from rumors and controversies. Back in the 70s, there were rumors that the late actor was in love with Dimple Kapadia. Thus, when he was offered Saagar opposite the actress, his wife Neetu Kapoor felt ‘threatened’. He detailed this in his autobiography Khullam Khulla and mentioned that he never cheated on Neetu.

Rishi Kapoor wrote, “Dimple was a friend even if she was a little more during Bobby’s time. Ten years have passed; she was leaving the marriage with two children of her own, and I was also fine with two children. I have never let Nita down in our marriage. I am a happily married man with a loving and supportive wife. Neetu is not only my wife, she is also my friend.”

He continued: “If there was ever any fluctuation in our relationship, it was because of me, not because of her. And even then, the reasons had nothing to do with the other woman in my life. She was my rock and supported me in my weakest moments. If there was an Oscar for best partner, for being with someone better or worse in every sense of the word, she would have won it.”

On working with Dimple in Saagar, Rishi Kapoor wrote, “Neetu must have had some doubts, but she conducted herself with great dignity. We must give her credit for not insisting on having her way and allowing me to play Saagar.”

“She (Dimple) was stunning even then but has lost her sparkle and confidence. She also felt the need to declare that she was a great actress. I could see her trying too hard to live up to her image in Bobby, but there was no need for it. She was only twenty-five and very beautiful. Here I must mention what a source of strength her sister Simple was for her at this moment. She constantly motivated Dimple and helped her come out of this phase. Many years later, we made another film – Pyaar Mein Twist (2005),” said the veteran actor.