Rishi Kapoor passed away at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai at the age of 67 on Thursday. He fought a long battle with cancer. The actor complained of breathing problem on Wednesday morning and was later diagnosed with mild fever and symptomatic chest infection. Rishi's wife Neetu Kapoor was by his side in the hospital.

After the veteran actor's demise, several Bollywood stars mourned his death. Now, Asha Bhosle has expressed her grief in her recent interview. Talking about Rishi, she said, "I knew him since his childhood. Raj Kapoor sahab aur Krishna bhabhi (Rishi Kapoor’s parents) ki wajah se hamara poore khandaan ke saath sambandh tha. Rishi had also worked a lot with RD Burman. They would have these musical sessions at night, and I would cook for them. He loved my cooking, especially shami kebabs, kadhai gosht and kaali daal. He wasn’t married back then, and he would often ask me whether he should get married. Main kehti thi, kar lijiye.”

Speaking about the actor’s respect and love for her, Asha said, “Iss film line ka koi bhi artiste kabhi jawaab nahi deta hai, par yeh ek aisa artiste tha ki maine phone kiya, aur ye agar utha nahi paaya, toh wapas phone karta tha aur poochta tha, ‘Ashi, kya baat hai? Kab khaane par bula rahi ho?’”Besides being fond of him on a personal level, she also had a lot of admiration for Rishi Kapoor — the actor. She shared, “Industry mein bahut bade artistes hain, lekin Rishi jaisa koi artiste nahin hai. He could dance well, was a great romantic hero and played tragic parts very well, too.”

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She further added, “I broke down when I heard the news of his death. Mujhe aisa laga ki mere teen bachche hain, unme chautha bachcha ye tha jo chala gaya. I haven’t spoken to any of his family members yet, as I don’t feel that it would be right to call them at this time. Par unko pata hain ki mera pyaar bahut tha uss par.”

Talking about her last meeting with the actor, Asha said, “I met him around a month-and-a-half ago, and he asked me, ‘Kab khane par bula rahi ho?’” The singer’s biggest regret is that before heading to the US for his cancer treatment, Kapoor had expressed that he wanted to eat food cooked by her, unfortunately, that didn’t happen. “I don’t think I will ever be able to cook his favourite dishes. Usko jo pasand tha, main banaungi bhi nahin aur khaungi bhi nahin,” she signed off.

(Source: TOI)