Actor Rishi Kapoor passed away on April 30, 2020, in Mumbai following a long battle with cancer. The actor belonged to the renowned and artistically rich Kapoor family, which has dominated the film industry for decades. According to a report, the Kapoor family has taken the legal route and copyrighted Rishi Kapoor’s name to prevent any misuse.
Rishi Kapoor`s name secured by family
According to a report in India Today, the Kapoor family has obtained permission to copyright the actor’s name, ensuring that any individual or entity seeking to use “Rishi Kapoor” in a professional, commercial, or public capacity would require prior permission from the family.
A reliable source said, “As per the copyright, anyone wanting to use the name Rishi Kapoor or mention it in any capacity would need prior permission from the family.” The move, the source added, was primarily undertaken to ensure that the late actor’s name and legacy are not misused after his death.
Several public figures, including actors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Salman Khan, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, journalist Sudhir Chaudhary, and podcaster Raj Shamani had earlier approached the high court seeking protection of their personality and publicity rights. The court granted them interim relief.
In recent years, many high-profile celebrities and public figures have taken legal steps to safeguard their names, likenesses and intellectual property tied to their legacy. These measures are typically aimed at preventing unauthorised commercial use, such as merchandising, brand tie-ups or projects that attempt to profit from their identity without permission.
About Rishi Kapoor
Rishi Kapoor was one of the most celebrated actors in Hindi cinema, known for his romantic charm, versatility and long-lasting presence in the film industry. Born into the legendary Kapoor family, he made his debut as a child artist in Mera Naam Joker, directed by his father Raj Kapoor. He later rose to fame as a leading man with Bobby, which established him as a romantic star of the 1970s and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
Over the decades, Rishi Kapoor appeared in more than 150 films, including hits like Karz, Chandni and Amar Akbar Anthony. In later years, he reinvented himself with character roles in films such as Agneepath and Kapoor & Sons.
The veteran actor passed away on April 30, 2020, in Mumbai after a prolonged battle with Leukemia. His death marked the end of an era in Bollywood, leaving behind a rich cinematic legacy spanning nearly five decades.