Rishi sir was one of the reasons why I did my B'wood film: Vedhika

On Thursday, April 30, veteran Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor breathed his last at a hospital in Mumbai after a two-year battle with leukemia. In his illustrious career, spanning over four decades, he has worked with artistes across the country, including actors from the south. While he starred with Kamal Haasan in Saagar, Rajinikanth and he acted together in Dosti Dushmani, which also starred Bhanupriya. He has also co-starred with Radikaa Sarathkumar in Naseeb Apna Apna and his films with Sridevi, like Chandni, have become cults in Indian cine history. The recent south actress to share screen space with him was namma Vedhika.

The actress played Rishi Kapoor’s daughter in the recently released

The Body

, which also happens to be the legendary actor’s last release. Directed by Jeethu Joseph, the film also stars Emraan Hashmi and Sobhita Dhulipala.

Vedhika says she was shocked when she heard about Rishi Kapoor’s demise. Recalling the time she spent with the actor on the sets of the thriller, the actress says, “One of the reasons why I wanted to do the film (The Body) was because it starred Rishi Kapoor sir. I have watched so many of his film and have always been inspired by the kind of person he is. I felt blessed to have gotten a chance to act with him in my debut Bollywood film. My first day of shoot was with him; he was warm, welcoming and very friendly. He was a good conversationalist. I have so many memories of working with him. Once, he took us all out for lunch. He’d invited me, my mom, Emraan (Hashmi) and director Jeethu Joseph. We all went for this elaborate Chinese lunch that he treated us to. It’s been such a dark phase… first, Irrfan sir passed away and now, Rishi sir. I think it's a learning for us; we have limited time on Earth and we all should live it with love.”