Legendary Indian actor and filmmaker Shashi Kapoor, celebrated for his contributions to Hindi cinema and beyond, left an indelible mark on the film industry. His life, both personal and professional, is filled with fascinating stories and achievements that continue to inspire.

Biography/Wiki

Born on March 18, 1938, in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, Shashi Kapoor embarked on his acting journey as a child artist at the tender age of four, appearing in plays directed and produced by his renowned father, Prithviraj Kapoor. While he worked steadily throughout his youth, it was during the 1970s and 1980s that he truly rose to prominence.

His talent extended beyond Hindi cinema, encompassing a significant number of English films. His contributions earned him national recognition and numerous accolades.

Health

In 2012, Shashi Kapoor underwent cataract surgery at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai, from which he was discharged the same day. He battled kidney disease for a considerable time before his passing on December 3, 2017, following a prolonged struggle with liver cirrhosis and kidney failure.

Family, Caste & Girlfriend

Hailing from a Punjabi Khatri family, Shashi Kapoor was the son of Prithviraj Kapoor and Ramsarni Kapoor. His older brothers, Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor, were also iconic figures in Bollywood. He also had a sister, Urmila Sial Kapoor.

In 1958, he married Jennifer Kendal, and they had two sons, Karan Kapoor (photographer) and Kunal Kapoor (ad-maker), and a daughter, Sanjana Kapoor (actress and entrepreneur). Sadly, his wife passed away in 1984 due to colon cancer.

Career

Shashi Kapoor’s education included attending Don Bosco High School in Matunga, Mumbai. His screen debut came in 1948 with the Bollywood film “Aag,” where he played young Kewal Khanna. His performance as a child actor in “Awaara” (1951), portraying the younger Raj Kapoor, garnered considerable praise.

He transitioned behind the camera in 1958, serving as an assistant director for “Post Box 999.” His leading role in “Dharmputra” (1961) as Dilip Rai marked a significant step in his career. His filmography also boasts a collection of notable Hollywood films, including “The Householder,” “Shakespeare Wallah,” “Heat and Dust,” and “Jinnah.”

In 1978, he established his own production house, Filmvalas, responsible for producing critically acclaimed films such as “Junoon,” “Kalyug,” and “Utsav.” He also directed “Ajooba” (1991), a Bollywood film, and a Russian-language film.

Awards & Honours

Shashi Kapoor’s remarkable career was recognized through several prestigious awards:

• Padma Bhushan (2011)
• Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2015)
• Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (2010)
• Multiple National Film Awards for acting and producing.

Controversy

His 1972 film “Siddhartha” sparked controversy due to intimate scenes with co-star Simi Garewal.

Net Worth

Shashi Kapoor’s net worth was estimated to be ₹500 crore.

Favourite Things

• Inspiration: Prithviraj Kapoor (father)
• Favorite Actress: Nanda
• Favorite Food: Prawn and Crab Curry
• Favorite Chef: Meena Pinto
• Hobby: Playing the piano
• Favorite Quote: “It will be a great achievement for mankind when a man finally learns to become a human.”

Facts

Here are some interesting facts about Shashi Kapoor:

• He was one of the highest-paid actors in the early 1970s.
• His brother, Raj Kapoor, nicknamed him “Taxi” due to his habit of sleeping in his car during shoots or using his car to transport co-stars.
• He is famously known for the iconic dialogue “Mere Paas Maa Hai” from “Deewar.”
• He famously re-opened the Prithvi Theatre in 1978 with his wife.
• He famously never worked on Sundays.