Khullam Khulla

Rishi Kapoor Uncensored

By: Rishi Kapoor, Meena Iyer

Narrated by: Salmin Sheriff

Few actors in Hindi cinema have had Rishi Kapoor's sort of a career arc: from the gawky adolescent pining for his schoolteacher (Mera Naam Joker, 1970) to the naughty 90-year-old (Kapoor & Sons, 2016), Rishi Kapoor has regaled audiences for close to 50 years. He won a National Award for his debut, became an overnight sensation with his first film as a leading man (Bobby, 1973), and carved a niche for himself with a string of romantic musical blockbusters in an era known for its angst-ridden films. He was the youth icon that is still the toast of the satellite TV circuit. The songs he lip-synced are the bread and butter of all radio stations even today. Then there was the second coming after a brief hiatus in the 1990s - as one of the finest actors in mainstream Hindi cinema with powerhouse performances in films like Do Dooni Chaar, D-Day, Agneepath and others.

Characteristically candid, Rishi Kapoor brings Punjabi brio to the writing of Khullam Khulla. This is as up close and personal a biography as any fan could have hoped for. He writes about growing up in the shadow of a legendary father, skipping school to act in Mera Naam Joker, the workings of the musical hits of the era, an encounter with Dawood Ibrahim, his heroines (their working relationship, the gossip and the frisson that was sometimes real), his approach to his craft, his tryst with clinical depression, and more.

A foreword by Ranbir Kapoor and a stirring afterword by Neetu Singh bookend the warmest, most dil se biography an Indian star has ever penned.

©2017 Rishi Kapoor (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Inside story with horrible narration

I am an avid reader and audiobook lover. By far this was one of the worst ever audiobook performer I ever heard. The audio is heavily patched and you can certainly make out that these patches were re-recorded for some errors. However these patches derail the narrative as the tones are terribly different. Moreover the pronunciations are most difficult to understand. The narrator goes berserk with accent and I had to rewind to know what he is saying nevertheless to know that it was difficult to decode. I am sure that Rishi ji could have narrated this and the effect could have been terrific.

The story is nice and great to read Neetu ji’s foreword too. Admire the guts and open heartedness of Rishi ji to state the facts clearly. The book clearly makes you believe what makes you stay in Film Industry and your dynasty cannot help you afloat.

Again this is just a narrative and I rarely read anything with Bollywood / Indian Film Industry but being the brutally honest person Rishi ji is made me give my ear to it.

Overall a nice story but horribly horribly horribly punctured by the narrator.

Rishi Ji didn’t hold back

Listening to this incredible piece of art, few days after the passing of the Great Rishi Kapoor aka Chintoo. I enjoyed every minute of not every second. Ranbir doing the intro and then closing up with him and his mother Neetu ji. Worth the listen or read.

Startlingly real

This book is very real. I expected a polished version of a Indian actor but he admits to his flaws and details so many events. Must read. The narrators pronunciation is not the best though and at times it’s annoying.

Love To Rishi Kapoor and Family

I have watched and loved Rishi Kapoor since all my life, his family have been a movie legend of Bollywood industry big salute to him and his family 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Wish Rishi had narrated it.

I Wish Rishi had narrated it. It would have been so much better. Unfortunately it can’t happen anymore since Rishi is now gone. RIP Rishi. A good insight into the Kapoor family and Indian film industry.

good book, bad reader

I hope Rishi Kapoor himself could have read it. It would have felt very natural.