In the glittering world of Bollywood, where grand weddings and timeless romances often make headlines, one heartwarming anecdote stands out for its innocence and charm. Actress Raveena Tandon, known for her blockbuster hits in the 1990s, once revealed that she harbored a massive childhood crush on the evergreen romantic hero, Rishi Kapoor. The story takes an endearing turn at the iconic wedding of Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh in 1980.
Raveena, then just a young girl of about 5-6 years old (born in 1974), attended the lavish ceremony thanks to her father, filmmaker Ravi Tandon, who had collaborated with Rishi on several projects. But while the rest of the guests celebrated the union of one of Bollywood’s most beloved couples, little Raveena was far from joyful. In a 2023 interview with Lehren Retro, she candidly confessed: “I had the biggest crush on him. Every time he used to go abroad, he used to get me like a doll or something. And I was sulking throughout his wedding.”
Her only silver lining? Rishi’s bride was Neetu Singh, whom Raveena adored. “The only consolation was that he got married to Neetu ji. It was the best thing. I love them as a couple. I used to adore both of them,” she added with a laugh.
Years later, when Raveena and Rishi finally worked together in the 1995 film Saajan Ki Baahon Mein, the late actor teased her about having to address him as “Chintu ji” or “Chintu uncle” – a far cry from her childhood fantasies.
Raveena has cherished these memories, even sharing a rare black-and-white throwback from the wedding on Instagram in 2021. The photo, which Rishi had once sought for his autobiography Khullam Khulla, captures a beaming young Raveena posing with the newlyweds – a treasured snapshot of Bollywood’s interconnected legacy.
This innocent tale reminds us that even stars were once wide-eyed fans, and Rishi Kapoor’s charm truly knew no bounds. It’s a sweet glimpse into the personal side of Bollywood’s golden era, where crushes, friendships, and family ties intertwined seamlessly.
About The Author
