Rishi Kapoor is now cancer-free, declares filmmaker Rahul Rawail - Brother Randhir Kapoor confirms

Putting an end to the speculation around veteran Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor's undisclosed ailment, filmmaker Rahul Rawail on Tuesday took to his Facebook account and announced, along with an old photo, that  “RISHI KAPOOR (CHINTU) is CANCER FREE!!!!"

The 'Love Story' (1981) director further informed Hindustan Times, “Yes, Rishi is absolutely cancer free, now. I haven’t met him but spoke to him over the phone. He called me in the morning [Tuesday] and gave me the [good] news that he has totally recovered from cancer. There’s just a small follow up and procedure that he needs to get done to ensure that there is no recurrence anytime. So, that’s all that is left now.”

When asked if the actor would be coming back to India anytime soon, Rawail added, “I have no idea on that, yet. But he definitely wants to come back as soon as he can. Also, it has been a very personal conversation with him, so that’s all I can share.”

Rishi Kapoor's elder brother Randhir Kapoor, who had earlier refuted rumours of Rishi suffering from cancer, also confirmed the news.“Yes, he is much better, and he will come back soon. He’s on his way to full recovery and it takes time, he’s got to finish the whole course, but he’s fine," he told Hindustan Times. 

Rishi's daughter and Ranbir Kapoor's sister Riddhima Kapoor Sahni also commented on her dad's condition. Without divulging any details, she told the daily, “Yes, he is recovering. With everybody’s prayers and wishes he is doing well.”

It was Rishi's wife Neetu Kapoor's New Year Post that had first sparked rumours of him suffering from cancer. Neetu wrote, “Hope in future cancer is only a zodiac sign.”

Recently, Ranbir Kapoor updated fans about his father’s health. Speaking at an award function, he said, “He’s (Rishi Kapoor) doing very well, and he will be back very soon. He is missing the movies and working in films. I really hope that with all your wishes and prayers he comes back very soon.”

Rishi flew to New York seven months ago to undergo treatment for an undisclosed disease. The 'Mulk' actor left his fans in shock in September last year as he tweeted, “Hello all! I am taking a short leave of absence from work to go to America for some medical treatment. I urge my well wishers not to worry or unnecessarily speculate. It’s been 45 years “plus”of wear and tear at the movies. With your love and good wishes,I will be back soon!”