It’s been more than four months since Bollywood’s legendary film icon Rishi Kapoor left the mortal world for heavenly abode. The veteran actor breathed his last on April 30, 2020, after a long battle with cancer and it won’t be wrong to say that the film industry will never be the same again.

Today is a bitter-sweet morning for all his fans as it could have been the actor’s 68th birthday. But, no matter what, this legend of Indian Cinema deserves to be celebrated even if he is not present with us today. Along with being an actor par excellence, Rishi was known for his trendsetting style statements throughout his career. Over the decades spanning from the era of ‘70s, ‘80s, and the ‘90s, Rishi has been the benchmark of a true 'hero' whose style inspired many, including actors! Chintu ji's fashion sense was just like his personality- a complete standout and unapologetic. Right from his Bobby days, to the times of printed shirts, winter coats and a charming smile, that’s all it took for the veteran actor to make the girls go weak in the knees.

Recommended Read: So long, Rishi Kapoor! 'Chandni' to 'Deewana', veteran actor and '90s style icon's love affair with sweaters has its own tale to tell

As we celebrate this legend on his 68th birth anniversary, here’s remembering Rishi Kapoor in his full glory- A quintessential Bollywood Hero with a knack for acting and style that could give young boys a run for their money!

WINTER FASHION

Rishi’s love affair with winter fashion has its tale to tell as nobody aced the trend the way he did. Despite his fellow actresses filling the silver screen with glamour in chiffon sarees, Chintu ji and his stylish sweaters (cardigans) managed to grab attention, every single time, no matter what the weather in the backdrop was. Many say, Rishi Kapoor wearing a cardigan in a film's song was a lucky charm - a sure shot for the film at the box office!

Starring in many super hit films like Chandni, Deewana, Darrar, Kabhie Kabhie, Damini, Heena amongst many others, he brought in the trend of high neck knits, mufflers, and draping the sweaters over the shoulders marked his trademark style. 

Alas, winter fashion would never be the same again!

DISCO BALL

And those who say shimmers are meant just for girls haven’t seen Rishi ji slaying then in songs like Om Shaanti Om from Karz.

The actor shone brighter than a diamond in that sequined costume and that sparkle in our eyes refuses to die down even today. 

SUAVE SUITS AND SEXY LEATHER JACKETS

But hey, when he appeared on the silver screen wearing those sexy tan jackets and classy black suits, many hearts used to skip a beat.

COLOUR, PRINT & POLKAS

Rishi ushered the retro era with bell-bottoms, printed and polka shirts, classy turtle necks and screaming colours- something that Bollywood men steered clear of until the Kapoor fashionista tapped it.

Opting for vibrant hues and quirky prints he showed us all that he was into experimental looks way before it was a thing.

ETHNIC EXTRAVAGANZA

The beauty of Rishi’s fashion sense was that he could slip into any character he wanted just by dressing like it. Now that could range from cool college stud Bobby, disco ball Monty to our Pathani clad Akbar and Rauf Lala.

Just like his casual and party formal looks, Rishi gave justice to the ethnic avatars in vibrant and embellished sherwanis and Pathanis.

VINTAGE GLARES

Rishi and his love affair with vintage, oversized glares, was quite evident and out there.

The actor ushered the wave of magic with his retro goggle looks with Bobby and we swear there was no turning back from this trend. 

Those aviators gave justice to his handsome looks, didn’t they?

RETRO WAVES

Rishi and his curly voluminous coiffure have always been a trendsetting hairstyle for all the young lads straight from the ‘70s. Right from his trademark and sleek ‘Bobby’ waves to his voluminous ‘Chandani’ hairdo, Kapoor and his hairstyles were quite a go-to pick for many.

THE MODERN MACHO

Even years after the path breaking 90s the actor and his style statement aged like a fine wine. Jazzy sunglasses, rugged salt and pepper look, macho beard, he sported it all!  

With his sad demise, this path-breaking actor and a retro-style icon have left a void in the film and fashion fraternity that nobody can fulfill. His legacy will always be worth remembering, for ages to come…

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