How Rishi Kapoor’s Reluctance to Marry Neetu Singh Led to a Timeless Love Story Cherished Forever

Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh’s love story is one that has captivated audiences for decades. It’s a tale woven with threads of friendship, love, persistence, and destiny, much like the many Bollywood films they starred in together like Kabhi Kabhi, Khel Khel Mein, Jhoota Kahin Ka, Zinda Dil, etc. Their relationship, which began as a close friendship, gradually blossomed into a love that would withstand the test of time, eventually leading to marriage. But as iconic as their love story became, it was anything but ordinary. Rishi Kapoor, known for his charm and notorious ‘playboy’ image in his early years, was initially reluctant to marry, even though he had found his perfect match in Neetu.
The Beginning: Friendship to Love

Rishi and Neetu first met on the sets of Zehreela Insaan in 1974. At the time, Neetu was just 14 years old and relatively new to the film industry. Rishi, on the other hand, was already a rising star, fresh off the success of Bobby (1973). Despite the age difference and Rishi’s reputation as a heartbreaker, the two formed a close bond. They were paired together in multiple films throughout the 1970s, and their on-screen chemistry was undeniable. Yet, their love story was not one of instant attraction. Instead, it was a slow and steady evolution from friendship to something much deeper.
Rishi was known for his candid and often brash personality. In a 1997 interview with Simi Garewal, he revealed a surprising detail about those early days. Rishi confessed that he would often get drunk and ask Neetu to call his ex-girlfriend, Yasmin, in hopes that she could persuade her to reconcile with him. This unfiltered honesty and vulnerability were what initially drew Neetu to Rishi. She saw a side of him that few others did – a man who was not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve, even if it meant showing his flaws.
The Persistence of Love

As they continued to work together on films, their bond grew stronger. Neetu, who was initially cautious and wary of Rishi’s advances due to his reputation, gradually let her guard down. Rishi’s admiration for Neetu became more evident with each passing day, and soon, the two became inseparable.
In another revealing moment, Rishi shared on Anupam Kher’s chat show Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai how he had once enlisted Neetu’s help to write telegrams to his ex-girlfriend in an attempt to win her back. He recalled, “I remember having a fight with my girlfriend at the time, and I was heartbroken. While shooting for Zehreela Insaan, I asked Neetu to help me write telegrams to her.” But as fate would have it, during a shoot in Europe, Rishi found himself missing Neetu instead. In a twist of irony, he sent her a telegram from Europe to Kashmir, saying he was thinking of her. This moment marked a significant turning point in their relationship, as Rishi began to realise that it was Neetu, not his ex-girlfriend, who truly held a special place in his heart.
The Reluctance to Marry

Despite being deeply in love with Neetu, Rishi was hesitant to take their relationship to the next level. At 27, he was at the peak of his career and feared that getting married might negatively impact his professional life. Rishi was known to be “commitment-phobic” and struggled with the idea of settling down so early. In his autobiography, Khullam Khulla, Rishi devoted an entire chapter to Neetu, detailing the whirlwind of emotions and internal battles he faced before their marriage. He admitted that although their love was no secret to friends, family, and the public, he was plagued by doubts about his career and the longevity of a married actor’s success in Bollywood.
Rishi’s concerns were not unfounded. At the time, the film industry often saw married actors lose their appeal to the audience, and Rishi was not ready to risk his flourishing career. He candidly wrote, “I wasn’t even sure if I was ready for marriage.” Living with his parents in Chembur, Rishi found it difficult to express his intentions to Neetu or even to his family. He struggled with “a million demons” in his head, fearing that marriage might derail his ambitions.
The Turning Point: Family and Fate
It was Rishi’s sister, Ritu, who ultimately played a pivotal role in moving their relationship forward. Sensing her brother’s hesitation, Ritu secretly plotted with friends to set the stage for an engagement. In a memorable encounter at the Mumbai airport, Rishi ran into Saira Banu and Dilip Kumar, who jokingly asked him if he was headed to Delhi to get engaged. Little did Rishi know, Ritu had already arranged for an engagement celebration in Delhi, effectively pushing him to take the next step in his relationship with Neetu.
Rishi later acknowledged that without Ritu’s intervention, he might never have married Neetu or might have done so much later. This crucial moment was a testament to the deep bond Rishi shared with his family and how their intuition helped guide him toward the right path.

Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor’s Marriage: A Union Tested by Time
After years of courtship, Rishi and Neetu finally tied the knot on January 22, 1980, in a grand ceremony attended by the who’s who of Bollywood. Their marriage, however, was not without its challenges. They faced their share of ups and downs, including rumours of infidelity and the pressures of balancing their careers with their personal lives. But through it all, their love only grew stronger.
Rishi and Neetu’s marriage endured for over four decades, a testament to the deep bond of friendship and love that they shared. Their story is one of persistence, understanding, and the power of a relationship built on mutual respect. Even as Rishi battled health issues later in life, Neetu stood by his side, proving that their love story was truly timeless.