In another blow to Bollywood, veteran actor lost battle to cancer this morning. The death of Rishi Kapoor, one of Bollywood's greatest cine icons, took everyone by shock on Thursday morning.

Rishi was hospitalised on Wednesday morning after complaining that he was not feeling well following breathing problems. The 67-year-old actor was admitted to Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai. Wife Neetu Kapoor was at his side.

Meanwhile the Kapoor family have now released an official statement on the actors death and says, the late actor would like to be remembered with a smile and not with tears. The actor passed away at 8:45 AM on Thursday morning and according to the doctors and medical staffs, he kept them entertained to the last.

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Our dear Rishi Kapoor passed away peacefully at 8:45am IST in hospital today after a two-year battle with leukemia. The doctors and medical staff at the hospital said he kept them entertained to the last.

He remained jovial and determined to live to the fullest right through two years of treatment across two continents. Family, friends, food and films remained his focus and everyone who met him during this time was amazed at how he did not let his illness get the better of him.

He was grateful for the love of his fans that poured in from the world over. In his passing, they would all understand that he would like to be remembered with a smile and not with tears.

In this hour of personal loss, we also recognise the world is going through a very difficult and troubled time. There are numerous restrictions around movement and gathering in public. We would like to request all his fans and well-wishers and friends of the family to please respect the laws that are in force.

He would not have it any other way.