Alia Bhatt, Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Ambani at Rishi Kapoor's funeral

Rishi Kapoor was cremated at the Chandanwadi crematorium in south Mumbai on Thursday afternoon.

His body was brought to the crematorium in an ambulance at around 3.45 pm directly from the hospital amid tight police security due to the coronavirus lockdown.

His daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni could not attend the funeral as she is travelling from Delhi.

Family members, including wife Neetu Kapoor, son Ranbir, Rishi Kapoor's elder brother Randhir Kapoor, his niece Kareena Kapoor Khan and her husband Saif Ali Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Ranbir's girlfriend Alia Bhatt and Anil Ambani were among those present at the funeral.

Keeping in mind the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown rules laid by the government, family members and friends present at the crematorium were seen wearing gloves and masks.

Just as India was trying to come to terms with Irrfan Khan's death on Wednesday came another tragic thunderbolt on Thursday morning when news came that Rishi Kapoor, who had been ailing in hospital, had passed into the ages.

Amitabh Bachchan, his co-star of many films, broke the news on Twitter: 'Amitabh Bachchan tweets: He's GONE .. ! Rishi Kapoor .. gone .. just passed away .. I am destroyed!'

Kapoor had been unwell after being diagnosed with cancer and was admitted to the H N Reliance hospital, his brother Randhir Kapoor said on Wednesday.

Rishi Kapoor's family released a statement thereafter:

'Our dear Rishi Kapoor passed away peacefully at 8:45 am IST in hospital today after a two-year battle with leukemia. The doctors and medical staff at the hospital said he kept them entertained to the last.

'He remained jovial and determined to live to the fullest right through two years of treatment across two continents.

'Family, friends, food and films remained his focus and everyone who met him during this time was amazed at how he did not let his illness get the better of him.

'He was grateful for the love of his fans that poured in from the world over.

'In his passing, they would all understand that he would like to be remembered with a smile and not with tears.

'In this hour of personal loss, we also recognise the world is going through a difficult and troubled time. There are numerous restrictions around movement and gathering in public. We would like to request all his fans and well-wishers and friends of the family to please respect the laws that are in force.

'He would not have it any other way.'