New Delhi: Veteran actress Neetu Kapoor says though she has put herself into work after the death of husband Rishi Kapoor, she still doesn’t have the “confidence” to attend public events without him.
Neetu, who met Rishi Kapoor at the age of 15, married the actor in 1980 and quit films after featuring in hits like “Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Deewaar, Khel Khel Mein and Kabhi Kabhie.”
He appeared in films such as “Love Aaj Kal” (2009) and “Jab Tak Hai Jaan” (2012) in the late 2000s with full roles in “Do Dooni Chaar” (2010) and “Besharam”. returned. (2013). All the four films featured Rishi Kapoor, who passed away in April 2020 after a battle with leukemia.
Her latest film “Jugjug Jiyo”, for which she started shooting last year, was the first time in decades that the 63-year-old actor shot without her husband.
“The first day I went on the sets, I even posted a picture that it was the first time I was stepping out of the house without him. I am sure he was blessing me, which made things easier for me . But honestly, it was hard not to act with him. It was tough.”
Apart from a Karan Johar production, the veteran actor also began filming for a dance reality show as a judge, a commitment that has kept him busy ever since.
As an actor, Neetu said, she has found the confidence to face the camera without her late husband, but is yet to find the strength to step out in public alone.
“Even today, when I am called for a function, I cannot go. I can go for a shoot, but I cannot go to a film festival without him. Recently, I had to attend a big event. Was invited where they wanted to give me an award but I can’t go without them. I feel awkward going alone. I still don’t have that confidence.
He said, “I need my son or my husband. Maybe it will take time for me to get used to that part. As an actor, I can go and work because I have a team, they are my are together and that’s why I like it.” But not otherwise, not now,” he added.
Directed by Raj Mehta, “Jugjug Jiyo” will see Neetu Kapoor in a full-fledged role, nine years after her last film “Besharam”, which co-starred Rishi Kapoor and his son Ranbir Kapoor.
The comedy drama also stars Varun Dhawan, Kiara Advani, Anil Kapoor and Maniesh Paul.
Neetu Kapoor said working on the film was “comfortable” and helped her deal with the grief.
“Karan was over for dinner after my husband passed away. Ranbir said I should start working again, but I shrugged off the idea. Karan overheard it and said he had It’s a good script and I should at least listen to it. I half-heartedly said yes.
“When I heard the story later, I was amazed. It was funny, nice and dramatic. Although I didn’t have the confidence because I was low, I said I would do the film. I knew it would help, relax me Two,” he added.
‘Jugjug Jio’ will hit the theaters on June 24.