MUMBAI — Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor has died after losing a two-year-long battle with cancer. The 67-year-old actor was admitted in H N Reliance hospital here where he breathed his last Thursday morning. His wife and actor Neetu Kapoor was by his side.

His brother Randhir Kapoor confirmed the news. "He is no more. He has passed away," Randhir Kapoor told PTI.

Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan too confirmed the news on Twitter. “He’s GONE .. ! Rishi Kapoor .. gone .. just passed away .. I am destroyed !"

His death comes a day after his "D-Day" co-star Irrfan Khan passed away, also of cancer. Three months ago, the disease claimed his sister Ritu Nanda. Rishi Kapoor is survived by wife Neetu Kapoor, son Ranbir and daughter Ridhima.

Actor Rishi Kapoor will be dearly missed for his brilliant work in films and no-holds-barred personality. In real life as well as social media, Rishi never believed in keep things toned down and never shied away from cracking a few jokes and funny memes, wrote Hindustan Times.

However, his final tweet was a heartwarming message of peace and empathy, shared on April 2. “An appeal to all brothers and sisters from all social status and faiths. Please don’t resort to violence, stone throwing or lynching. Doctors, Nurses, Medics, Policemen etc..are endangering their lives to save you. We have to win this Coronavirus war together. Please. Jai Hind,” he had written.

Condolences were posted by President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "He was so full of life that it's difficult to believe that he is no more," said President Kovind.

The president wrote, “Rishi Kapoor’s untimely demise is shocking. An evergreen personality with an always smiling face, he was so full of life that it's difficult to believe that he is no more. A huge loss for the entertainment industry. Let us pray for his soul. Condolences to his family and friends.”

PM Modi described Rishi Kapoor as "multi-faceted, endearing and lively" and said he would remember their social media interactions.

He wrote, “Multifaceted, endearing and lively...this was Rishi Kapoor Ji. He was a powerhouse of talent. I will always recall our interactions, even on social media. He was passionate about films and India’s progress. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family and fans. Om Shanti.”

Superstar Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar condoled the death of the veteran actor. "Heartbroken ... Rest In Peace ... my dearest friend (sic)," tweeted Rajinikanth,

Akshay Kumar wrote, “It seems like we’re in the midst of a nightmare...just heard the depressing news of #RishiKapoor ji passing away, it’s heartbreaking. He was a legend, a great co-star and a good friend of the family. My thoughts and prayers with his family.”

Rishi Kapoor returned to India last September after undergoing treatment for cancer in the US for almost a year. In February, Kapoor was hospitalized twice due to his health issues.

He was part of hit films such as Bobby, Amar Akbar Anthony, Laila Majnu, Rafoo Chakkar, Sargam, Karz, Prem Rog, Chandni, Heena, Karz, Bol Radha Bol, Saagar and others. — Agencies