At 24, dad was the showman of Hindi cinema: Rishi Kapoor

Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor has opened up about the colourful life of his father, filmmaker Raj Kapoor in his soon-to-be released autobiography, saying he loved his cinema, booze, and his leading ladies. Titled, 'Khullam Khulla: Rishi Kapoor Uncensored', the tell-all book sees the 'Bobby' actor talking about his father's affairs with co-actors and his passion for films, besides capturing the evolution of their father-son relationship.

Rishi practically begins the book talking about his father's affair with yesteryears' actor Nargis Dutt, who together, he writes, continue to be widely acknowledged as the most iconic pair onscreen. "My father, Raj Kapoor, was twenty-eight years old and had already been hailed as the 'showman of Hindi cinema' four years before.

"He was also a man in love - at the time, unfortunately, with someone other than my mother. His girlfriend was the leading lady of some of his biggest hits of the time, including Aag (1948), Barsaat (1949) and Awara (1951)." The 64-year-old actor has also shed light on the relationship his father shared with co-star Vyajanthimala, who had denied having an affair with the actor.

He writes, "I remember moving into the Natraj Hotel on Marine Drive with my mom during the time Papa was involved with Vyjayanthimala. He did all he could to woo her back, but my mother wouldn't give in until he had ended that chapter of his life."