Mumbai, May 8, 2026 – Neetu Kapoor, with daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, bared her soul on Soha Ali Khan’s YouTube series All About Her, detailing the vicious trolling she faced for resuming work post-husband Rishi Kapoor’s 2020 death. From insomnia-fueled drinking to nightly injections, her comeback via JugJugg Jeeyo was her survival lifeline amid “hurtful” online hate.
After Rishi’s April 30, 2020 passing from leukemia, Neetu took a nine-year acting hiatus before JugJugg Jeeyo (2022). Trolls accused her of rushing back: “He passed away, and she jumped into work.” Neetu called it “horrible,” explaining, “I just went to work to get the confidence back. I was in such a bad state.” She blocks critics, quipping her mantra: “Saanu ki (Why should we bother?)—taunu ki (Why do you bother?).”
Emotional Struggles After Rishi Kapoor’s Death
Neetu Kapoor revealed that she went through a deeply distressing phase after losing her husband. She shared that she was unable to sleep for months and turned to alcohol as a way to numb her pain.
She admitted that she did not recognize herself during that period, especially since she has always been health-conscious and disciplined.
According to her, the emotional burden became so overwhelming that she sought medical help to manage her condition and regain stability.
“People Don’t Know What I Was Going Through”
Neetu Kapoor made her acting comeback after nearly nine years with JugJugg Jeeyo, but her return was met with criticism from sections of social media users who questioned her timing.
Responding to the trolling, she said people judged her without understanding the emotional state she was in after Rishi Kapoor’s passing.
She explained that she had stepped back into work not casually, but as a way to rebuild her confidence and cope with grief.
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Grief’s Dark Toll: Alcohol, No Sleep & Medical Intervention
Months of sleeplessness led to drinking: “I couldn’t sleep… I got into drinking… couldn’t sleep without it.” Health-conscious Neetu hated it, consulting her doctor who sent a gynaecologist for 11-12 nights of 11 PM house visits injections to sedate her, with staff monitoring. “On the 11th day, I said I’m good,” she shared. Karan Johar urged work, though she was a “nervous wreck” on set but grew stronger.
Neetu Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor were one of Bollywood’s most iconic couples, having starred together in several memorable films including Amar Akbar Anthony, Kabhi Kabhie, and Rafoo Chakkar. They married in 1980 and have two children, Ranbir Kapoor and Riddhima Kapoor Sahni.
Rishi Kapoor passed away on April 30, 2020, after battling leukemia. His final film appearance was in Sharmaji Namkeen, which was completed posthumously.
Moving Forward with Courage
Today, Neetu Kapoor’s story reflects resilience in the face of grief and public scrutiny. Her candid revelations shed light on the unseen emotional struggles behind celebrity lives, and the difficult journey of healing while living under constant public observation.
