Neither did I know Rita Bhaduri socially, nor had I met her [outside of] work, yet, she had a lasting impression on me. She was among the finest actors that the Film and Television Institute (FTII), Pune gave us. She was my friend and Shabana Azmi's batchmate. So, we had that connect.

Rita was full of warmth, and would always spread cheer. Acting came naturally to her. My father [Surinder Kapoor] would always encourage FTII students. For him, they were special, and so was Rita. I always remembered her [wearing] a smile on her face.