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For decades the Kapoor family was believed to have a strict rule that their daughters and daughters-in-law should not pursue acting careers. Yet when the women of the family did step into the cinema they proved to be as successful as their male counterparts. Among them is Neetu Kapoor who not only carved a niche for herself in Bollywood but also went on to become one of the most popular Kapoor daughters-in-law. Did you know Neetu Kapoor once played Shashi Kapoor’s lover? In one of the most surprising pairings Neetu Kapoor played the onscreen girlfriend of her future uncle-in-law Shashi Kapoor. The duo appeared together in the popular song “Keh Doon Tumhe Ya Chup Rahoon” where their romantic chemistry was much discussed. The audience loved the pairing and the film went on to become a hit. Interestingly this was before Neetu entered the Kapoor household as Rishi Kapoor’s wife. At that time she was simply another rising star in Bollywood. When did Neetu become part of the Kapoor family? Neetu Singh tied the knot with Rishi Kapoor in 1980 five years after the release of Deewaar (1975) where she starred alongside Amitabh Bachchan Shashi Kapoor and Parveen Babi. After marriage Neetu chose to focus on her family life and gradually distanced herself from the film industry. She appeared in a total of 12 films with her husband Rishi Kapoor and their pairing was adored by fans. Together they became parents to Ranbir Kapoor and Riddhima Kapoor Sahni. Why did Neetu step away from films? Like many actresses of her era Neetu Kapoor stepped back from acting after her marriage. Her last film before the long hiatus was Ganga Meri Maa (1983). However her married life wasn’t entirely free from challenges. In interviews Neetu openly admitted she was aware of Rishi Kapoor’s flirtatious nature and his closeness with his co-stars. “I always knew about his affairs. At first we fought over it but later I understood these were nothing more than one-night stands. Rishi was always dependent on me and would never leave his family” Neetu once said. Despite the turbulence she chose to stand by him and the couple remained together until Rishi’s passing in 2020. Neetu Kapoor’s comeback to Bollywood After a gap of nearly 26 years Neetu returned to the silver screen in 2009 with Love Aaj Kal (special appearance) and then took on more prominent roles in Do Dooni Chaar (2010) Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012) Besharam (2013) and Jugjugg Jeeyo (2022). Her comeback proved that even after decades away her charm and talent had not faded. Highlights: Neetu Kapoor once played Shashi Kapoor’s onscreen lover before becoming Rishi Kapoor’s wife. She quit films after marriage but returned after 26 years with Do Dooni Chaar. Despite challenges in her marriage Neetu remained Rishi Kapoor’s strongest support.