Randhir Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor both hailed from the renowned Kapoor family, known for its significant impact on Bollywood. However, their professional trajectories diverged, and various factors contributed to Rishi Kapoor’s greater success in his acting career compared to Randhir Kapoor.
Rishi Kapoor made his debut in the film industry during the 1970s, quickly earning the title of the “chocolate boy” due to his appealing and romantic persona. His performances in notable films such as Bobby, Chandni, Karz, and Amar Akbar Anthony endeared him to viewers. His ability to adapt enabled him to thrive in a variety of roles, encompassing both romantic leads and complex character portrayals.
Randhir Kapoor commenced his career in both acting and directing with the film Kal Aaj Aur Kal (1971), which featured his wife, father, and grandfather. Produced under the R.K. banner, the film achieved moderate success.
Between 1971 and 1987, Randhir Kapoor starred in 24 leading roles, with 15 of those films becoming box-office successes. Additionally, he participated in 10 multi-starrer films, of which 8 were also successful at the box office. Despite showcasing his acting abilities and delivering memorable performances, he did not attain the same level of widespread appeal or career success as his brother Rishi. His films typically garnered less commercial and critical recognition, leading to diminished popularity. Subsequently, Randhir Kapoor shifted his focus to directing.
Rishi Kapoor made his debut in Bollywood during an era characterized by a significant demand for romantic protagonists, and his persona was ideally suited for this niche. Over the years, he adeptly adapted to the changing landscape of the industry, successfully embracing character and antagonist roles as his career progressed.
Randhir Kapoor began his career in the film industry during a similar period but faced challenges in sustaining his relevance amid the industry’s evolution. The 1970s marked the emergence of action-centric heroes such as Amitabh Bachchan, and by the 1980s, the landscape of the industry had started to transform, with a greater emphasis on commercial and action-oriented narratives. Randhir was not able to adapt to these changes as successfully as Rishi.
Rishi Kapoori garnered significant acclaim for his engaging and authentic acting approach. His performances were relatable and resonated with audiences across multiple genres, earning him widespread affection. Although Randhir Kapoori possessed a distinctive style, it did not connect with the audience to the same extent. He was recognized for his tall stature, yet his roles frequently lacked the depth and broad appeal that characterized those of his peers.
In conclusion, Rishi Kapoor’s remarkable capacity to adapt to shifting trends, coupled with his charisma and the acclaim of his performances in prominent successful films, significantly enhanced his success. Conversely, Randhir Kapoor, although a skilled actor, encountered difficulties due to the evolving nature of the industry, and his selection of films did not facilitate his attainment of comparable widespread recognition and success.
Also Read: Amrita Singh: The Bold and Controversial Love Life of a Bollywood Icon
