'Can't believe I'm talking about Rajiv Kapoor in past tense': Ashutosh Gowariker on his 'Toolsidas Junior' actor

Sanjay Dutt starrer Toolsidas Junior marks as the last film of Rajiv Kapoor. The veteran actor-filmmaker breathed his last on Tuesday after suffering from a cardiac arrest. Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker who backed Toolsidas Junior penned a heartfelt tribute to Rajiv via his Twitter page. He tweeted, "Saddened to hear about the passing of Rajiv Kapoor! I was a fan of his since Ram Teri Ganga Maili days. We had wrapped the shoot for my home production Toolsidas Junior, directed by Mridul! Rajiv was so affable and played his part with much fun & ease. Will miss him deeply!!!"

Meanwhile, in a statement, Ashutosh remembered Rajiv and stated, "I was a great fan of Rajiv Kapoor, from his Ram Teri Ganga Maili days. It was a superb debut performance. I carried that memory with me for many years and then we connected quite a few times since Lagaan. And when an opportunity arrived in the form of my production of Toolsidas Junior, (which is directed by Mridul), I cast him in it."

 February 9, 2021

He further shared, "It was really lovely to work with Rajiv. On sets, he was an absolute professional. And played the part with so much fun, dignity and ease."

Gowariker went on to say, "What an affable person he was. His performance in Toolsidas Junior is going to surprise everyone. Sadly, he won’t be there to enjoy the accolades he was surely going to receive."

He concluded by stating, "My team had called him just a couple of days ago, to set up his interviews for the promotion of Toolsidas Junior. And now, I still cannot believe that I am talking about him in the past tense."