In a fascinating revelation that sheds new light on the complex father-son dynamic within the Kapoor family, acclaimed filmmaker Rakesh Omprakash Mehra recently shared an anecdote about the late actor Rishi Kapoor. He disclosed that Rishi Kapoor once turned down a film offered by his legendary father, Raj Kapoor, for a specific and deeply personal reason: the schedule involved night shoots.
The Anecdote: Rejecting the Showman
Rakesh Omprakash Mehra, who directed Rishi Kapoor in the 2009 film Delhi 6, recounted this story in an exclusive conversation. The context was Mehra's own apprehension while offering the actor a role in his film. Knowing of Rishi's reported aversion to shooting after dark, Mehra was nervous because a significant portion of Delhi 6 was to be filmed at night.
When Mehra broached the subject of the night schedule, Rishi Kapoor responded with a telling story from his past. "He told me an anecdote. He said there was this director called Raj Kapoor," Mehra recalled. Rishi narrated how the iconic filmmaker had once narrated a script to him but mentioned it required two or three days of night shooting. "I left that film for three nights," Rishi told Mehra, emphasizing his stance by contrasting it with Mehra's request for an entire film set at night.
Convincing the Veteran for Delhi 6
Despite Rishi Kapoor's initial hesitation rooted in this past experience, Rakesh Omprakash Mehra stood firm. He explained to the actor that the nocturnal setting was integral to the film's narrative and there was no alternative. "There is no other way and I need your help here," Mehra told him. This direct appeal, coupled with Rishi's strong positive reaction to the screenplay, ultimately won him over.
Mehra revealed that Rishi Kapoor was deeply moved upon hearing the script of Delhi 6. The actor drew a parallel to Jaagte Raho, a classic social drama starring Raj Kapoor, and appreciated the project's strong social commentary. His eagerness to be part of such a meaningful story helped overcome his long-standing reluctance. "He did cooperate, and that was the first time ever when he shot at nights," Mehra stated, marking Delhi 6 as a unique milestone in Rishi Kapoor's extensive career.
The Roots of a Complicated Relationship
This revelation adds another layer to the well-documented, emotionally distant relationship between Rishi Kapoor and his father. The late actor had often spoken publicly about their strain, famously addressing Raj Kapoor as "sahab"—a term denoting respect but also a palpable fear, rather than familial warmth. They collaborated on seminal films like Mera Naam Joker, Bobby, and Prem Rog, yet a distance remained.
In his memoir, Khullam Khulla: Rishi Kapoor Uncensored, the actor delved into the childhood trauma that likely fueled his aversion to late nights. He wrote about Raj Kapoor often returning home very late and in a drunken state, which terrified a young Rishi. "Those midnight moments haunted me for a long time," he confessed. He described hiding under his razai (quilt), shivering and alert, until he heard his father's voice fade away towards his room. This early association of night with anxiety and fear provides poignant context for his professional refusal to work late hours, even for his own father.
The conversation with Mehra, which took place and was reported on January 3, 2026, offers a compelling glimpse into how personal history shapes professional choices in the world of cinema. It underscores Rishi Kapoor's own principles and the emotional complexities that defined one of Bollywood's most storied families.
