On the birth anniversary of actor-filmmaker Rajiv Kapoor, his cousin Jatin Prithviraj Kapoor paid a heartfelt tribute on 25 August, remembering the late star — affectionately known as 'Chimpu' — as a generous, warm-hearted soul who made everyone around him feel valued. Jatin shared his memories on social media, offering a rare personal glimpse into the man behind the Kapoor family legend.

A Bond Beyond Family

Jatin described his relationship with Rajiv as one that transcended blood ties. 'My cousin, my friend, today is his birthday,' he said, noting that Chimpu's birthday celebrations would often stretch across two days. The two shared a closeness that Jatin credits to Rajiv's singular ability to make every person in his orbit feel like a friend.

'He was a very kind-hearted person. And whoever came close to him, he used to give them an immensely enjoyable time,' Jatin recalled. 'Chimpu's speciality was that every person was a friend to him. He did not hold any grudge against anyone.'

An Unforgettable Birthday at Vaishno Devi

Among the memories Jatin shared, one stands out with particular vividness — a birthday pilgrimage to the shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. The family travelled from Delhi to Jammu in the early hours, then made their way by road to Katra, before completing the trek on foot to the temple.

'I will never forget one of his birthdays. We visited him at the temple of Mata Vaishno Devi... His birthday was celebrated in the temple of Mata Vaishno Devi,' Jatin said. The anecdote speaks to both Rajiv's spiritual inclinations and the depth of the family's bond with him.

The Man Behind the Screen

Jatin also spoke about Rajiv's outlook on life — one marked by selflessness and a quiet generosity. 'He used to take less care of himself and more of others. He lived life absolutely king-size. I say he lived an emperor-sized life,' he said. 'Whoever came close to him, he made them feel the same. You need a big heart for this. He was a big-hearted person.'

Concluding his tribute, Jatin said, 'Wishing you a very happy birthday, buddy. God bless you. Always be happy. Thank you so much for being with me on this birthday, Chimpu. I am grateful to you all. I will always be.'

Rajiv Kapoor: Career and Legacy

Rajiv Kapoor, the youngest son of legendary actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor and Krishna Kapoor, made his acting debut with Ek Jaan Hain Hum in 1983. He went on to appear in films including Ram Teri Ganga Maili, Mera Saathi, Lover Boy, and Hum To Chale Pardes. He later stepped behind the camera as a producer, backing Prem Granth, which starred his brother Rishi Kapoor alongside Madhuri Dixit.

Notably, Jatin Prithviraj Kapoor is the son of Urmila Sial, daughter of the legendary Prithviraj Kapoor, making him Rajiv's first cousin — their parents, Urmila Sial and Raj Kapoor, were siblings. Rajiv passed away on 9 February 2021 at the age of 58, leaving behind a legacy remembered as much for his warmth as for his work on screen.