From Early Loves to a Lasting Partnership: The Romantic Journey of Rishi Kapoor with Neetu Singh and Dimple Kapadia

Rishi Kapoor, the quintessential "chocolate boy" of Bollywood, captivated audiences not only with his charming on-screen presence but also with a romantic life that often garnered significant public attention. From his early flirtations with fame to a steadfast marriage, Kapoor's relationships were a prominent part of his public persona, culminating in a celebrated partnership with actress Neetu Singh.

Before his meteoric rise to stardom, Rishi Kapoor was in a serious relationship with Yasmin Mehta. As detailed in his autobiography, Khullam Khulla: Rishi Kapoor Uncensored, this early romance was a significant part of his life. However, the burgeoning rumors of his on-screen chemistry with co-stars, particularly after his debut in Bobby, reportedly led to the end of their relationship, leaving Kapoor heartbroken.

His breakthrough role in the 1973 film Bobby alongside Dimple Kapadia sparked intense speculation about an off-screen romance. Their undeniable chemistry on screen fueled rumors of an affair, which Rishi Kapoor later addressed in his memoir. He admitted that while Dimple was a friend, their bond may have been a little more than that during Bobby, acknowledging the public perception and the impact it had on his then-girlfriend, Yasmin Mehta, who subsequently broke up with him due to the persistent rumors.

Kapoor's most enduring and significant relationship began with Neetu Singh. They first met on the sets of Zehreela Insaan in 1974 and their professional collaboration soon blossomed into a deep personal bond. They dated for five years, often starring together in films, before tying the knot on January 22, 1980. Despite Rishi Kapoor initially telling Neetu he wasn't ready for marriage, he soon realized he couldn't live without her, as reported by News18.

Their marriage was a cornerstone of his life, producing two children: daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and son, actor Ranbir Kapoor. Neetu Singh largely stepped away from her acting career to focus on their family, becoming a pillar of support for Rishi. Their enduring partnership was often seen as one of Bollywood's most stable, lasting for 40 years until Rishi Kapoor's passing in 2020.

Despite the longevity of their marriage, Rishi Kapoor's romantic history was not without its complexities and public discussion. Neetu Kapoor herself candidly addressed her husband's "flirtations" and "passing fancies" in old interviews, stating that she had caught him flirting "hundreds of times." She adopted an attitude of acceptance, believing they were merely "one-night stands" and that she would eventually "handle" him, as reported by BollywoodShaadis.

Over the years, Rishi Kapoor was also linked to other co-stars, notably Juhi Chawla and Divya Bharti. Reports suggested alleged affairs with these actresses during his marriage to Neetu. While these were largely rumors and unconfirmed, they were widely discussed in the media. The alleged relationship with Divya Bharti was particularly controversial due to her being significantly younger than him, and it reportedly caused considerable distress for Neetu Kapoor, leading Rishi to end it.

Throughout his life, Rishi Kapoor's romantic journey was characterized by a blend of passionate early relationships and a deeply committed, albeit publicly scrutinized, marriage. His bond with Neetu Singh ultimately proved to be his most profound and lasting, with Neetu standing by him through all highs and lows, including his battle with leukemia until his demise on April 30, 2020. Their love story, marked by both public romance and private challenges, remains a significant chapter in the annals of Bollywood's most prominent families.