#Goldendays – Highlights from Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor’s wedding: From Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan leading the sangeet to the groom fainting |
Bollywood’s iconic couple, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor, remain etched in our hearts not only for their on-screen chemistry but also for their timeless love story off-screen. Their journey filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments, continues to inspire generations.
Back in 2003 in an interview with Rediff Neetu Kapoor fondly reminisced about her grand wedding with Rishi Kapoor, revealing charming and humorous anecdotes from one of Bollywood’s most talked-about weddings.
Rishi Kapoor, who became an overnight sensation after his debut in ‘Bobby,’ was the favourite of millions. Despite being adored by countless fans, it was the beautiful and talented Neetu Singh who captured his heart. Their romance began amidst playful pranks and grew into an unbreakable bond. On January 22, 1980, the two tied the knot in a lavish Punjabi ceremony at the Golf Course in Chembur, Mumbai which was described as one of the biggest weddings of the year.
Neetu Kapoor revealed that their wedding was nothing short of a Bollywood spectacle. The grandeur of the festivities attracted not just family and friends but even gatecrashers who managed to sneak in under the guise of guests. In an amusing incident, Neetu recalled how these uninvited guests came carrying beautifully wrapped gift boxes, which later turned out to contain stones.
Adding the light to their sangeet night was none other than the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Neetu shared how her father-in-law, Raj Kapoor, had discovered the musical maestro and decided to invite him to perform at the pre-wedding celebrations. According to Neetu, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan performed all night, leaving the guests completely mesmerized by his soulful voice.
But amidst the extravagance, there were moments of genuine vulnerability. Neetu in talks revealed how both she and Rishi Kapoor fainted during their wedding festivities. Neetu, weighed down by her heavily embroidered lehenga and overwhelmed by the sheer number of guests, couldn’t handle the pressure. Meanwhile, Rishi Kapoor fainted just before mounting the traditional ghodi (wedding horse) due to the overwhelming crowd and commotion.
The festivities went on for nearly 20 days, marking the union of Bollywood’s most beloved couple in true cinematic style. From music that echoed through the night to hilarious gatecrasher stories, every detail of their wedding was straight out of a fairytale.
Unfortunately on April 30, 2020, Rishi Kapoor passed away after battling cancer, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shine brightly in Bollywood to date. Two days later, Neetu Kapoor shared a touching farewell note on Instagram, posting a photo of Rishi Kapoor smiling with a drink in hand. Her caption read, “End of our story” a simple yet deeply emotional tribute to their journey together.
Rishi and Neetu Kapoor’s wedding wasn’t just an event, it was a celebration of love, tradition, and Bollywood’s golden era. Their story continues to remind us that true love stands strong both in the brightest spotlight and in life’s quiet moments.
