Rishi Kapoor led a life on his own terms. The actor has worked in over 100 movies in a career spanning five decades. Kapoor's spontaneity in front of the camera was exceptionally up to par. He was known for his dance moves on peppy songs in multi-coloured outfits. Kapoor was a charmer of his time and lacked any inhibition an actor may have. Unlike other lead actors, Rishi Kapoor did various roles in different genres. He efficiently carried roles—from a teenager in love to a patriotic father fighting for his honour.
Kapoor was born on September 4, 1952, in a Punjabi Hindu Khatri family of the Kapoor clan to parents Raj Kapoor and Krishna Malhotra at his family's home, Raj Kapoor Bungalow, in Mumbai. His parents were originally from Peshawar, Pakistan.
Kapoor attended Colonel Brown Cambridge School in Dehradun, Campion School in Mumbai and Mayo College in Ajmer.
Kapoor's first on-screen appearance was a cameo in his father Raj Kapoor's movie 'Shree 420' (1955) in the musical sequence of "Pyar Hua, Iqrar Hua Hai" when he was around three years old. Likewise, Raj Kapoor directed the movie that provided Rishi with his debut role in the movie 'Mera Naam Joker' (1970), in which the actor would portray the young version of the lead character (played by Raj Kapoor).
Rishi Kapoor's first leading role was opposite newcomer Dimple Kapadia in the movie 'Bobby' (1973), directed by his father, Raj Kapoor. 'Bobby' became one of the decade's biggest hits in India and earned Rishi Kapoor the Filmfare Best Actor Award.