Actor Suhail Nayyar recalls how Rishi Kapoor stayed back after pack-up on the sets of Sharmaji Namkeen to support him during an emotional scene. The heartfelt memory highlights Kapoor’s generosity and marks a touching moment from his final film, completed posthumously with Paresh Rawal stepping in.
Actor Suhail Nayyar recently shared a deeply touching memory from the sets of Sharmaji Namkeen, shedding light on the humility, warmth, and generosity of the late Rishi Kapoor. Speaking to IANS, Nayyar recounted a poignant moment during the filming of an emotionally charged father-son scene that left an indelible mark on him—not only as an actor, but as a person.
The scene in question was a crucial confrontation between father and son, pivotal to the narrative of Sharmaji Namkeen. According to Nayyar, the day’s shoot had officially wrapped, with Rishi Kapoor having completed his portions. The crew had called it a day. However, upon learning that Suhail Nayyar’s close-up shot was still pending, Kapoor chose to stay back voluntarily to give him live cues—a gesture that Nayyar describes as profoundly impactful.
“I remember during a confrontational scene in Sharmaji Namkeen, Rishi ji had wrapped up his part, and pack-up was announced. But he asked if my close-up was still pending. When the team said yes, he insisted on staying to give me cues,” Nayyar recalled. “That gesture meant the world to me. If you watch that father-son confrontation in the film, it feels very real—just like how such moments are in real life.”
This selfless act by the veteran actor, who was already battling serious health issues at the time, encapsulates the deep sense of professionalism and empathy that defined Rishi Kapoor throughout his illustrious career. Nayyar’s memory serves as a testament to Kapoor’s character both on and off screen.
Sharmaji Namkeen, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on 31 March 2022, holds a special place in Indian cinema. It marked Rishi Kapoor’s final film and was directed by first-time filmmaker Hitesh Bhatia. The comedy-drama was produced under the Excel Entertainment banner by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar.
In a unique cinematic decision, two acclaimed actors—Rishi Kapoor and Paresh Rawal—portrayed the same character in the film. This was necessitated by Kapoor’s untimely demise on 30 April 2020, during the film’s production. Shooting had begun in January 2020 but came to an abrupt halt following his passing. To complete the film without compromising its emotional core, Paresh Rawal stepped in to finish the remaining scenes while maintaining the integrity of the character Kapoor had begun to bring to life.
The film’s ensemble cast included Juhi Chawla, Satish Kaushik, Sheeba Chaddha, Isha Talwar, Suhail Nayyar, and Taaruk Raina, each playing significant supporting roles that helped build the narrative around Sharmaji, a recently retired man navigating life’s challenges and rediscovering himself.
The behind-the-scenes anecdote shared by Suhail Nayyar adds a deeply human dimension to the legacy of Sharmaji Namkeen. It underscores not only the collaborative spirit of filmmaking but also the kindness of a veteran actor who went above and beyond to support a younger colleague, even when he had no obligation to do so.
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For fans and cinephiles, Nayyar’s recollection enriches the viewing experience of Sharmaji Namkeen, making the emotional scenes even more powerful in retrospect. It’s a reminder that sometimes, it’s not just the performance on screen but the effort and camaraderie behind it that make cinema truly magical.
As Nayyar put it, the scene feels genuine and grounded—and now, knowing the story behind its filming, audiences will understand why.
